The Manaslu Circuit Thriller Trek – 21 Days

The Manaslu Circuit thriller trek 21 days  (the rounding hike) is one of those treks in Nepal you sure don’t want to miss for the love of anything. Some folks reckon it’s the best all-around trek up in the north of Nepal. This venture is one helluva alternative to the Annapurna circuit trek. The route ascends through familiar tracks providing cosy tea houses along the trail.

Manaslu at (8,156m/26,759 ft) 'Kutang', is popularly known as the “Japanese mountain," are the eighth tallest peak in the world and one of the Eight-thousand metre mountains. Still not much unexplored, the circuit goes across high Himalayan passes through ethnic Tibetan villages, with live views of snow peaks and great campsites. The Manaslu circuit was opened up by the Nepalese government in 1991, allowing trekkers to discover its exceptional beauty. Tourism Officials allow only permitted access to this restricted zone for a limited number of trekkers each year, thereby, adding to the mystery and appeal of the trek. Currently, only group treks are organized in the region. The different altitudes offer diversified impressions to the trek, where we ascend gradually from lush sub-tropical terrain into the alpine forest and then to the far-flung yet mystical region of northern Manaslu and Himalchuli peaks. This is a hardcore adventure.

One can enjoy and observe local culture and lifestyles. Larkya La Pass at (5,135m/16,847ft) divides Manasalu and the Marshyangdi Valley; afterwards, it is a straight descent through thick alpine forests and meadows to the mainstream Annapurna circuit trail. Hiking further continues towards Pokhara via another secret route seldom used by trekkers offering stunning views of the Manaslu peak in all its glory, Annapurna and Machhapuchre (Fish Tail). Great Everest Trek will be your exclusive escort on this challenging trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Patan

Day 3: Drive to Arughat Bazar (764m)

Day 4: Trek to Sundi Khola (730m)

Day 5: Trek to Machha Khola (930m)

Day 6: Trek to Jagat (1370m)

Day 7: Trek to Deng (1860m)

Day 8: Trek to Ghap (2380m)

Day 9: Trek to Lho Village (3020m)

Day 10: Trek to Sama Gaon (3390m)

Day 11: Rest Day

Day 12: Trek to Larkya Lodge (3590m)

Day 13: Trek to Tanbuche (3900m)

Day 14: Exploring from Tanbuche

Day 15: Trek to Karche (2164m)

Day 16: Trek to Dharapani (2713m)

Day 17: Trek to Jagat 

Day 18: Trek to Bahundanda

Day 19: Trek to Bhulebhule

Day 20: Trek to Besi Sahar

Day 21: Drive to Kathmandu

Day 22: Depart Kathmandu


Cost Includes:

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle.
  • Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast.
  • 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 local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.
  • Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) fee
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fee
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card fee
  • All our government taxes, vat, and tourist service charges.
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu by an English-speaking local guide
  • Farewell Dinner at Typical Nepalese Restaurant
  • Public Bus transfer for Kathmandu/Arughat and Besisahar/Kathmandu
  • Official expenses

Cost Excludes:

  • Dinner and lunch in Kathmandu except for welcome dinner. 
  • Your expenses for mineral water, soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, bar bills, showers, etc. 
  • Internet facility, battery chargers, multi-plugs, etc. 
  • Extra porter if you require. 
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Your travel insurance covers 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. 
  • Monument entrance fee for a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
  • Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list. 
  • Nepal arrival visa. 

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

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.

Day 2: Sightseeing Tour of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Patan
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath and after that to the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- Pashupatinath. We take a tour to Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square and delight in the architectural wonders of the Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple, and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square.

Day 3: Drive to Arughat Bazar
We drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway for the first part of the day; we then head towards the hill bazaar of Gorkha. The road gets a bit rough after Gorkha. We will reach our destination, Arughat Bazar, after seven hours from Kathmandu.

Day 4: Trek to Sundi Khola
On our first day on the trail, we head north, following the Buri Gandaki. In the low country, rice paddies and picturesque hamlets surround us. After climbing briefly to Kyoropani, we descend once again to the river and at the confluence with the tributary of Sundi Khola. It is a nice first day not too long, and perhaps we have time for a refreshing swim sometime during the day for it is hot in the low country.

Day 5: Machha Khola
The country changes, the broad valley narrows, and at times the trail is cut into the steep valley side, which is densely forested. We pass several small villages, tucked into the hillside, until we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Buri Gandaki. The terraced farmland here belongs to the village of Lapbesi. We descend once again to the wide, sandy riverbed and follow a path, which runs below the steep, craggy valley side. At length, we have to climb up once again on a trail to Machha Khola, which has several teashops. 

Day 6: Jagat
We cross the Machha Khola - Fish Stream - and head upstream to the tiny village of Khola Bensi and the hot springs at Tatopani. The valley sides remain steep until they are impassable and the route then switches to the left bank by way of a suspension bridge. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path, we reach the single teahouse at Doban. Above Doban, the Buri Gandaki descends an impressive series of rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river is much more placid, meandering across a broad gravel bed. At Lauri, we will cross the river on a suspension bridge and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat.

Day 7: Deng
After descending a long series of stone steps to the river, we climb a terraced hill to Saguleri, from where we can see the impressive Sringi Himal (7187m). The path splits, with the right-hand branch heading off towards the Ganesh Himal while crossing the river at Gata Khola. Our route continues upstream, through a gorge with towering walls. We cross the river thrice in the next two hours to avoid difficult valley sides and then climb up over a further steep spur to reach the village of Deng.

Day 8: Ghap (2100m)
The valley is still steep-sided and most impressive. We cross the village of Lama and start to see mani stones (prayers etched onto wayside rocks), a sure sign that we are entering a high country Buddhist region. After only about four hours we reach the village of Ghap, which straddles the river. We have entered the Tibetan area. There's a perceptible change in the climate and culture. It gets pleasantly cool, as we start to gain altitude.

Day 9: Lho Village 
The higher altitude takes us into alpine territory and increases mountain views. There are more Mani walls and 3 more crossings of the Buri Gandaki on our route to Namrung, where our special permit is checked. Above this village, the valley opens out and there are extensive pastures. Climbing gently now, and crossing a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, we reach the Tibetan village of Sho, 3000m. We will get our first incredible views of the Manaslu North and then of Manaslu Main ahead of Sho. As we continue we come to Lho, a large village at 3150 meters where there is a lovely little monastery and numerous Chortens and Manis. Looking back Ganesh I is visible.

Day 10: Sama Gaon
Leaving the village, we follow the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. As we continue on the main trail, we soon reach the fields of Sama Gaon, 3500m. We reach Sama Gompa, 20 minutes beyond the village, and Samdo, near the Tibetan border.

Day 11: Rest Day
Surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest, today we take a rest to acclimatize and relax. It is a good time to catch up on that book or wash clothes.

Day 12: Larkya Lodge (Dharamsala)
The thundering Buri Gandaki trickles to a stream as we continue to follow its course ever upwards. We are surrounded by spectacular mountains from all sides. Manaslu is particularly impressive. After crossing to the east bank of the river, we reach the last permanent settlement in the valley, which is called Sumdu. Above the village, we cross the stream, which runs down from the Gya La (Pass), the pass to Tibet. We come to the ruins of an abandoned village, known as Larkya Bazaar. Presumably, this village thrived as a trading point, with Tibet lying over the Gya La. The commerce seems to have dried up leading to the migration of the settlers. Nearing the Larkya Glacier, we reach a lodge at 4450m, which has been built to serve the travelers crossing the Larkya La.

Day 13: Tanbuche
After a short climb above the lodge, we reach the ablation valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers. There are views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. We walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent, which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. In the past, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the huge Annapurna II. Initially, there is a steep descent over snow and then a screen, to reach the ablation valley trail to Larcia Kharka. Further on, a moraine ridge path leads to Tanbuche 3900m.

Day 14: Exploring from Tanbuche
The valley system here is huge and well worth exploring. But if you wish you can rest the whole day.

Day 15: Trek to Karcher
Below us is Bimthang, a broad and level ablation valley with several mani stone walls and deserted houses. Crossing this high pasture, we descend the valley of the Burdin Khola to the area of the Base Camp to reach the west side of Manaslu. From a ridge at 4150 meters, we have excellent views of Manaslu to the southeast and Annapurna II to the southwest. Beyond a bridge, over the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, we descend into the rhododendron forests and follow a trail through a narrow valley, until we reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karcher (2785m).

Day 16: Trek to Dharapani
We climb through terraced fields to the Karche La pass. A green and densely forested valley lies ahead, sloping down to the distant Marshyangdi River. At Thonje village is our final restricted area check post. Here we cross the Marshyangdi River and join the main Annapurna Circuit with the hoards of trekkers and soon reach Dharapani.

Day 17: Trek To Jagat 
An initially tight gorge briefly opens to Tal. The area here was formed when the valley was blocked by a landslide and a dam formed behind the lake. The lake has long dried up and now the village of Tal sits on the flat land. Over the next day and a half, we pass through the main Himalayan range, between Manaslu and the Annapurna range.

Day 18: Trek to Bahundanda
Making our way down from Jagat we reach Syange, where we cross a suspension bridge to the east side of the Marshyangdi Khola and onto easier terrain. We have a short but stiff climb up to Bahundanda, followed by a descent to Ngadi and Bhulebhule.

Day 19: Trek to Bhulebhule
Today we descend to Ngadi and Bhulebhule. Rice and paddy fields carpet the landscape again. It's one of those walks we truly enjoy after a long tiring hike at higher altitudes.

Day 20: Trek to Besi Sahar 
With barely a hill on the way, this is an easy day’s walk. We might take the little-known east bank route from Bhulebhule to Besi Sahar.

Day 21: Drive to Kathmandu
It is approximately a seven hours truly scenic drive through rural land that shows you Nepal’s lovely village landscapes teeming with the vigor of life. Watch them sing romantic songs as they go about their daily farmland chores while you cruise down to ancient Kathmandu. We will have lunch at a good roadside restaurant. Tonight we host a farewell dinner in one of the finest restaurants in Kathmandu.

Day 22: Depart Kathmandu
Our office escort team will take you to the airport for your flight home. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as game drives at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking, etc. Tashi Delek Nepal TreFks and Expeditions know you have spent a lot of money to enjoy your trip but should you like to enjoy other trips, be sure that our prices are pocket-friendly.

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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

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From

US$ 1845 per person

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Activities
Trekking & Cultural Tour
Meals
Full board in trek and breakfast in Kathmandu
Destination
Nepal
Duration
21 Days
Difficulty
Challenging but surely a venture you’d want to undertake!
Room
Hotel, Camping or Tea house lodge
Max Elevation
5,416 m
Transport
Private Vehicles/ 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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