Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a picturesque and undoubtedly off-beaten journey in Nepal. It is probably the most underrated trekking route and one of the most popular restricted treks in the Manaslu region of Nepal. The 14 Days Manaslu Trek is an enthralling destination after Everest, Annapurna and Langtang. Interestingly, this is among a few trekking regions where solo trekkers are allowed, as there should be two people in a group. Trekking must be headed by a Nepal Government Licensed Trekking Guide with a special permit and ACAP permit. Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) is the world’s 8th tallest peak and it is a major attraction of the Manaslu region.
Off-Beaten Restricted Trekking Trail in Nepal
The Manaslu Trekking Region is an extremely beautiful restricted trekking trail in Nepal. It includes the fascinating Tsum Valley and spectacular Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) with local native cultures of the mountains, where you can explore the hidden culture and beauty of the Manaslu region. As the Manaslu region is a restricted area, you’ll need to obtain the following permits:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: This permit is issued by the Government of Nepal and is required to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Since the Manaslu Circuit Trek ends in the Annapurna region, you’ll need an ACAP permit as well. This can be obtained either in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
MCAP is the Manaslu Area Project and ACAP is the Annapurna Area Conservation Project. There are a plethora of villages, forests, lakes, landscapes and side trails. Therefore, a guide with experience and astute navigation skills is a top priority. Moreover, the trail is in a landslide-prone area and requires meticulous planning and trip organization.
Daring & Enchanting Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)
Throughout the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) is the most challenging and thrilling high pass in the Himalayas of Nepal. On top of Larkya La, you will explore the captivating scenarios of Manaslu and Manaslu North, Samdo Peak, Naike Peak, Larke Peak and Cheo Himal. The Larkya Pass lies between Dharmasala and Bimtang and it is the highest elevation during the trek. The top of Larkya La Pass is extremely beautiful and surrounded by the massive Himalayas. In the winter season, it is very difficult to cross Larkya La due to heavy snowfall, and the trail may be blocked near the pass.
Everest View Treks & Expedition has local crew members and an experienced team that has been leading various holidays around the Himalayas of Nepal. We have different multi-package treks for the Manaslu region in 2024/2025. The trek itinerary is customized according to your plan and holiday length. We send a local government-licensed trekking guide from the Manaslu Region, ensuring a high success rate. This restricted trekking journey is undoubtedly the most scenic one. It is a journey to the abode of the world’s 8th tallest mountain, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m). Some popular destinations around the valley can easily extend your holiday.
The 14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the major trekking trails in Nepal. If you enjoy the rural environment, tranquility, serenity, wilderness thrill and multiethnic communities, it is an ideal choice.
14 Days Manaslu Trekking Cost & Porter
Porters are the backbone of trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal. They are very strong and adapt easily to high altitudes. Hiring a porter is helpful when trekking in the Manaslu region. A porter carries a maximum of 25 kg and the cost is US$ 20 per day. We highly recommend hiring a porter, as completing the trip without one can be very complicated.
Customized Manaslu Trek Itineraries For 2024/2025
We do not have a fixed Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary because we customize itineraries according to trekkers’ holiday schedules, plans and budgets. We operate various treks around the Manaslu region, and you can also choose any preferred trek in Nepal. Resume your postponed trips to Nepal in 2024 with our local expert team. It is a favorable time to discover the world’s 8th tallest mountain and fascinating local cultures.
Major Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking
- Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) – World’s 8th Tallest Peak
- Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) – A challenging and beautiful pass
- Two iconic touristic regions of Nepal (Manaslu and Annapurna)
- Rivers, Waterfalls and Suspension Bridges
- Diverse Vegetation (Temperate to Tundra)
- Visit Nubri Monastery and Pungyen Monastery
- Monasteries, Chhortens and Mane Walls, Birendra Lake
- Multiethnic Villages (Brahmins, Chhetris, Dalits, Gurung, Sherpa and Tibetans)
- Local diverse cultures along the trail
- More than two dozen mountain vistas
- Local crew members – A complete guide cost
- Customized itinerary and blog
Alternative Treks Around the Manaslu Region
There are plenty of places you can explore from this trail. You can extend your trekking by adding 1-2 days to make the experience even more satisfying. The Manaslu Circuit Trail can be combined with the Tsum Valley Trek, Manaslu Circuit 12-day trek, lower Manaslu scenic trek, Manaslu base camp and the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Ganga Jamuna Waterfall, Barpak Village (Epicenter of the 2015 Earthquake in Nepal) and Tsum Valley are major side treks included in our packages. You can choose the Tsum Valley Trek alone or combine it to make the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek.
Larkya La Pass is the highest point of this trek. The panoramic view of the mountains from the top is incomparable. Once trekkers cross Larkya La Pass, they enter the magnificent Annapurna Circuit Region. If you complete the Manaslu Trek as well, you cover the middle portion of the Great Himalayan Trail.
Ideal Time to Trek to Manaslu Circuit
Autumn and spring are the best seasons to trek the Manaslu Circuit. From September to October, the weather is clear with greenery and minimal dust. Spring is warmer than autumn and favorable for trekking, hiking and climbing. During this season, wildflowers such as rhododendrons, golden flowers and anemone polyanthus bloom beautifully. We highly recommend March to May for trekking enthusiasts.
Finally, trekking in the Manaslu Himalayas requires physical fitness, proper gear and adequate preparation. It is always recommended to consult experienced trekking agencies or local guides for detailed information and assistance before embarking on the Manaslu Trekking. Book the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal with us. We assure you of excellent hospitality and quality service throughout your journey. The Manaslu region is a graceful place to create unforgettable memories. The tranquil and serene atmosphere ensures an outstanding trekking experience. Feel free to contact our travel planners.
Itinerary
Arrival Kathmandu (1,275 m)
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport you will be expected to complete your customs formalities (Visa etc.). We suggest you look for our representative who will be waiting for you at the arrival gate with the Everest View Treks And Expedition display board. You will then be transferred to Hotel Marshyangdi or another hotel of similar category. Includes B/B.
Kathmandu to Sotikhola (710 m)
We can take a private or local bus service to reach Arughat Bazaar. Half of this road is off-road and a little rugged. We pass through many zigzag roads, lots of mountains and several small and big rivers, including the Budi Gandaki Gorge. After a lot of ascending and descending through forests and villages, we reach Arughat Bazaar on the bank of the Budi Gandaki River. Overnight at a tea house. Includes meals B/L/D.
Sotikhola to Machhakhola (870 m)
Trekking through a beautiful Sal forest to the ridge, the route is a bit precarious as it passes over a large rock and crosses a stream. The rocky trail weaves up and down. You will pass terraced rice fields to reach a Gurung village, climb behind a rocky outcrop to the school, and then descend to Machhakhola. The narrow trail passes a waterfall and has some minor ups and downs before reaching the rocky ravine at Machhakhola. Overnight at a tea house. Includes meals B/L/D.
Machhakhola to Jagat (1,410 m)
The valley is steep and the trail climbs over a small ridge before descending to Tatopani (hot spring). The day includes many ups and downs, crossing bridges over the Buri Gandaki and other rivers. The rocky trail passes a large landslide, Dhovan, Eklebhati, Yurukhola, Thado Dhungga and Yaruphat before reaching Jagat. Overnight at a tea house. Includes meals B/L/D.
Jagat to Dang (1,860 m)
The trail crosses a rocky ridge and herder huts to Sirdibas, where you can see some Buddhist indications, although Gurung people still live there. The trail continues upstream to a long suspension bridge leading to Philim, a Gurung village, then turns north. Just above the village is Dang. Overnight at a tea house. Includes meals B/L/D.
Dang to Namrung (2,630 m)
The trail follows the Buri Gandaki Valley and meets the route to Tsum Valley and Nupri Valley at Sharkhola. There are many ups and downs, crossing bridges over the Buri Gandaki and Sringi Khola, before climbing along the contours to Namrung village. Overnight at a tea house. Includes meals B/L/D.
Namrung to Lho (3,180 m), 6 hours trek
We continue following the Buri Gandaki Valley, turning left and right while climbing up and down across terraced fields. Buddhist mani stones become more frequent, showing that we are in the homeland of Tibetan culture. Pass through the villages of Namrung, Lihi and Sho before reaching Lho. Overnight at a tea house. Includes meals B/L/D.
Lho to Sama Gaun (3,360 m), 4-hour trek
A few hours of walking to Shyala village provide wonderful views of Manaslu. The trail slowly leads you up to a paradise-like area. Cross the ridge and a stream and emerge overlooking the extensive pasture fields of Sama Gaun. Overnight at a tea house. Includes meals B/L/D.
Rest at Sama Gaun: Explore Pungin Gompa
Rest at Sama Gaun and explore the surrounding high hills with a packed lunch, then return to the same camp for overnight. This rest is beneficial for altitude acclimatization. If you are able, you can visit Manaslu Base Camp or Pungin Gompa for a day excursion. Overnight at a tea house. Includes meals B/L/D.
Sama Gaun to Samdo (3,780 m), 5-hour trek
The Larkya La trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. Trekking past stone huts, juniper and birch forests, and crossing rivers and bridges leads you into the beautiful Buddhist village of Samdo. Overnight at a tea house. Includes meals B/L/D.
Samdo to Dharamsala (4,480 m), 4-hour trek
An old mani wall marks the start of the climb to Larkya La. The trail climbs gently, and opposite the Larkya Glacier, it becomes less distinct. Along the way, you will see herds of blue sheep, yak pastures, and beautiful landscapes and mountains. Overnight at a tea house. Includes meals B/L/D.
Dharamsala to Larkya La Pass (5,213 m) and descending to Bimthang (3,630 m), 8.5-hour trek
This is a very demanding day, so we start very early in the morning to pass safely. The trail goes through sloping grassy fields and rocky moraines to Larkya La Pass, which is a long climb. The descent is also very steep for a long stretch. Eventually, the valley widens, and the trail leads down to a large meadow with a mani wall and several teahouses at Bimthang. Overnight at a tea house. Includes meals B/L/D.
Bimthang to Dharapani (1,890 m)
Cross the glacial stream and follow the ancient salt trade route along the Dudh Khola. The valley is very impressive, full of oak, rhododendron, blue pine, hemlock, birch and bamboo forests. Pass pasture fields and the old Gho village, then follow the descending valley to Tilche, a Gurung village, joining the Annapurna Classic Circuit route at Dharapani. Overnight at a tea house. Includes meals B/L/D.
Drive from Dharapani by Jeep (5 hr) via Beshisahar to Kathmandu (10–11 hr)
After breakfast, we start our 185 km drive back to Kathmandu. It is better to sit on the left side of the vehicle to enjoy the scenery along the route. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant or bar before returning to the hotel.
Fly Home – Farewell, Friend
You are saying goodbye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end. We hope you enjoyed the tour with us and are sure you will return for another adventure in the Himalayas. Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Everest View Treks and Expedition will transfer you to the airport. On your way home, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Includes/Excludes
- Airport Pick up -Drop by Private Tourist Vehichle.
- Two night 3 Star Category hotel in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast.
- During the trek three times full board meals (Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project and Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit.
- Kathmandu to Sotikhola and Besi Sahar to Kathmandu by Private Jeep.
- 3 cup of Tea or Coffee each day.
- Fresh fruits After dinner everyday.
- Twin sharing private room throughout the trek.
- 1 pcs snicker or Mars Chocolate each person every day
- A trekking guide - Fluent English speaking, experienced, knowledgeable. Mountain porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) together with their payments, gears, foods and accommodations.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- Trekking Map
- Trek Completion Certificate
- First Aid Kit
- Nepal Visa fees on your airport arrival (You should bring US/Euro cash and two passport size picture)
- Personal expenses (Shopping, Laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, mineral water or boiled water, Phone calls, hot shower etc.)
- Tips for guides and porters.
- Your personal insurance
- Rescue in case emergency