Manaslu Circuit Trek - 18 days

Trip Overview

Duration: 18 days Country: Nepal
Max. Altitude: 5,160m/16,924ft. Walking Per Day: 6-7hrs
Accommodation: N/A grade Grade: Strenuous
Best Season: Autumn and Spring Group Size: 1-15
Mode: Tea-House/Lodge Culture: Gurung Culture, Brahmin and Kshetri

The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you on an unforgettable journey around the world's eighth-highest peak through spectacular mountain views, colorful rhododendron forests, ancient monasteries, and charming villages.

Originally a salt trading route following the Budi Gandak River, the trek is packed with adventure, taking you along rugged trails, through high passes, and across suspension bridges.

Manaslu is located in beautiful Nepal and climbs 8,163 meters above sea level (with the trek taking you to a maximum of 5160m). Found in the Mansiri Himal, part of the Nepalese Himalayas, it is in the west-central region of Nepal at coordinates 28°32'58''North and 84°33'43''East.

Nature and Culture

Manaslu is a conservation area, protecting a diverse range of plant and animal life as well as a rich cultural heritage. Among these are 2,000 species of plants and 11 different types of forest. It is home to many rare animal species including the snow leopard, grey wolf, and the Himalayan Tahr. Local culture is centered around the main religion of Buddhism and the trek includes the chance to experience the peace of a Buddhist monastery first hand. As you begin to ascend, you will find that many of the villages are more Tibetan than those lower down, so you can see the changing culture and appreciate the uniqueness of each one.

Overview of Manaslu Circuit Trek

Baseri is the point where your trek begins and from there you will progress through beautiful forests, Gurung villages and arrive at Maccha Khola. Traveling over some steep terrain, you will have the chance to appreciate many natural and cultural points of interest whilst passing through the Budhi Gandaki river, ridges, and villages of Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samagaon. From the panoramic views of Annapurna Himalayas, Kangaru, Chio Himal, and Himlung Himal at the highest point of the trek at Larkya La Pass to the waterfalls, forests, villages, pastures and terraced farmland of the lower regions of Tilije, Tal, and Syange as you descend, each day of your mountaineering trip will be special. 

What can be seen during Manaslu Circuit trek?

Starting with the chance to tour the sights in Kathmandu, other expeditions will take you to the monastery of Pungyen Gompa, set in a lovely landscape and rich in nature, culture, and tradition.

You will also have astounding views of glacier moraines as you follow the banks of the Budi Gandaki River upwards. After spending the evening and night immersed in the culture of the local villages or camping out under the stars, wake up to a different view each morning; breathtaking mountain peaks, magical forests, and rushing rivers. 

Physical fitness and other requirements

The trek is a rewarding experience, however, you will need a certain level of fitness to get the most out of your Manaslu trekking adventure. You will be trekking many hours each day, much of which is at higher altitudes, therefore you should be physically fit, with some experience of walking or trekking to cope with this strenuous trek.

Our professional guides at Nepal Mountain Trekkers will ensure that acclimatization and all other health and safety measures are in place. As well as stout walking boots and warm, comfortable clothing, it's a good idea to bring water purification tablets and toilet rolls with you as accommodation is either in basic tea houses or tent camps.


The cost of your trip includes the Manaslu Conservation Area fees, a Manaslu Special Permit, an Annapurna Conservation Permit, and a TIMS card.
 

Best season for Manalsu Circuit Trekking

The best time to undertake the Manaslu Circuit Trek in the spring season is between March and late May when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. In the autumn, the best time is between early September and late November when the forests are green and there is very little chance of rain. The Manaslu Circuit is a must for serious mountain trekkers on the lookout for a very special experience.


Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
    • Meals :Lunch / Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Welcoming with Marigold Flower Garland

      » Group Photo

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Evening Walk at Thamel

     

  • Day 2 Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
    • Duration :Half Day
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Kathmandu Durbar Square

      » Boudhanath

      » Pashupatinath

    • Highlights :

      » Sightseeing at Kathmandu

      » UNESCO World Heritage Sites

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Equipment checking and briefing about the trek

     

  • Day 3 Kathmandu – Baseri(1,400m/4,593ft)
    • Duration :8-9hrs Drive(150Km)
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Dhading

      » Arughat

      » Baseri

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Drive

      » Off-road Drive

      » Typical Nepali Lifestyle

      » Terraced Field

      » Mountainous Area Sceneries

     

  • Day 4 Baseri – Machha Khola(900m/2,952ft)
    • Duration :7-8hrs walk(11-12Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :500m/1,642ft
    • Location :

      » Baseri

      » Manbu

      » Majha Gaun

      » Chhote Khola

      » Lapu Besi

      » Khani Besi

      » Machha Khola

    • Highlights :

      » Lifestyle and Culture

      » Combination of Gurung and Ghale Culture

      » Mountain Scenery

      » Suspension Bridges

      » Waterfalls

      » Hydro-Power(W-I-P)

     

  • Day 5 Machha Khola – Jagat(1,410m/4,625ft)
    • Duration :6-7hrs walk(13-14Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel/Lodge
    • Ascend :830m/2,725ft
    • Location :

      » Machha Khola

      » Khorla Besi

      » Tatopani-Hotspring

      » Dovan

      » Syauli

      » Yaru Bagar

      » Jagat

    • Highlights :

      » Suspension Bridges

      » Waterfalls

      » Natural Hotspring-Tatopani

      » Lifestyle and Culture(Bhingi/Gurung Culture)

      » Cantilever Bridge

      » Beautiful Landscape

      » Manasalu Tsum Valley Special Permit Check-In Point

     

  • Day 6 Jagat – Deng(1,860m/6,105ft)
    • Duration :7-8hrs walk(15-16Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel/Lodge
    • Ascend :450m/1,476ft
    • Location :

      » Jagat

      » Salleri

      » Philim

      » Ekle Bhatti

      » Nyak

      » Deng

    • Highlights :

      » Cosy Pathway

      » Pine Forests

      » Budi Gandaki River Valley

      » Hidden Valleys

      » Chortens

      » Small Monasteries

      » Donkeys

      » Blissful Nature

      » The ViewPoint of Siringi Himal

      » Mani Wall

      » Gurung Village

      » Suspension Bridges

      » Astonishing Landscapes

      » Wildlife

      » Flora and Fauna

     

  • Day 7 Deng – Namrung(2,630m/8,630ft)
    • Duration :6hrs walk(11-12Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel/Lodge
    • Ascend :770m/2,527ft
    • Location :

      » Deng

      » Bihi Phedi

      » Ghap

      » Namrung

    • Highlights :

      » Uphill Climb through Jungle

      » Typical Villages

      » Gumba

      » Special Permit Checkpoint

     

  • Day 8 Namrung – Lho(3,180m/10,430ft)
    • Duration :4hrs walk(8Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel/Lodge
    • Ascend :550m/1,805ft
    • Location :

      » Namrung

      » Lihi

      » Lama Gaon

      » Sho

      » Lho

    • Highlights :

      » Monasteries

      » The ViewPoint of Himchuli(Lama Gaon)

      » View of Manaslu North and Naike Peak(Sho)

      » Ribung Gompa

      » View of Manaslu

      » Kandjur Scripts Monastery

      » Unique Buddhist Lifestyle

     

  • Day 9 Lho – Samagaon(3,530m/11,578ft)
    • Duration :5hrs walk(9Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel/Lodge
    • Ascend :350m/1,150ft
    • Location :

      » Lho

      » Shyala

      » Samagaon

    • Highlights :

      » Big Chorten

      » View of Manaslu Massif

      » Mani Wall

      » Blissful Nature

      » Panoramic View of Mountains

      » Wooden Bridges

     

  • Day 10 Acclimatization Day |Hike to Pungyen Gompa/Birendra Lake/Manaslu Base Camp
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel/Lodge
    • Location :

      » Samagaon

      » Pungyen Gompa/Birendra Lake/Manaslu Base Camp

    • Highlights :

      » Manaslu Special Permit Checkpoint

      » Ancient Monasteries

      » Green Lake

      » Pungyen Tal

      » Pungyen Glacier

      » Birendra Tal

      » Manaslu Base Camp

      » Panoramic View of Manaslu

      » Manaslu Glacier

      » Wildlife

      » Herbs and Vegetations

      » Prayer Flags

      » Blissful Nature

     

  • Day 11 Samagaon – Samdo(3,875m/12,715ft)
    • Duration :3-4hrs walk(7-8Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel/Lodge
    • Descend :345m/1,132ft
    • Location :

      » Samagaon

      » Budi Gandaki

      » Samdo

    • Highlights :

      » Wooden Bridges

      » Prayer Flags

      » Hidden Valleys

      » Wildlife

      » Wildlife including Deer, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Thar, and so on

      » Herbs and Vegetations including Yarchagumba(Caterpillar Fossils)

      » Stone Huts

      » Long Mani Wall

      » Samio P.S. Big Mani Wall

      » Budi Gandaki Valley

      » Glacier View

     

  • Day 12 Samdo – Dharamsala(4,460m/14,628ft)
    • Duration : 4-5hrs walk(12-13Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel/Lodge
    • Descend :585m/1,920ft
    • Location :

      » Samdo

      » Larkya Bazar

      » Dharamsala

    • Highlights :

      » Fair Seasonal Tibetan Market

      » Stone Hut

      » Mani Walls

      » The ViewPoint of Larke Peak and Naike Peak

      » Larke Glacier

      » Glacier View

      » Salt Trade Route

      » Wildlife, Herbs and Vegetations

      » Blissful Nature

      » End of Treeline

     

  • Day 13 Dharamsala – Bimthang(3,720m/12,201ft) via Larkya La Pass(5,160m/16,924ft)
    • Duration :8-9hrs walk(14-15Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel/Lodge
    • Ascend :700m/2,297ft
    • Descend :1,570m/5,150ft
    • Location :

      » Dharamsala

      » Larkya La Pass

      » Bimthang

    • Highlights :

      » Moraine Glacier Walk

      » Adventure and Excitement

      » View of Kangguru, Annapurna II, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Larkey Peak, Namjung Himal and Ratna Chuli

      » Steep Descent

      » Moraine Rock Fall Area

     

  • Day 14 Bimthang – Goa/Gho(2,515m/8,255ft)
    • Duration :5-6hrs walk(12-13Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel/Lodge
    • Descend :1,205m/3,955ft
    • Location :

      » Bimthang

      » Hampuk

      » Yak Kharka

      » Kharche

      » Goa/Gho

    • Highlights :

      » Another Part of the Hill

      » Rhododendron Forest

      » Astonishing View of the Mountains

      » Mani Walls

      » Prayer Flags

      » Wildlife like Langurs

      » Herbs and Vegetation

      » The ViewPoint of Manaslu

      » Wooden Bridges

      » Suspension Bridges

     

  • Day 15 Goa/Gho – Tal(1,700m/5,576ft)
    • Duration :5-6hrs walk(12-13Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel/Lodge
    • Descend :815m/2,675ft
    • Location :

      » Goa/Gho

      » Tilije

      » Dharapani

      » Karte(Khotra)

      » Tal

    • Highlights :

      » Gurung Culture

      » Exit Point of Manaslu Conservation Area Permit

      » Starting Point of Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

      » Suspension Bridges

      » Start Walking in Off-Road

      » Mesmerizing Waterfall

      » Marshyangdi River Valley

      » Nature

     

  • Day 16 Tal – Kathmandu via Besisahar
    • Duration : 4hrs Off-road Drive(33Km) and 5hrs Highway Drive(180Km)
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle(4WD Jeep)
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :335m/1,100ft
    • Location :

      » Tal

      » Besisahar

      » Kathmandu

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Off-road Drive

      » Prithivi Highway

     

  • Day 17 Kathmandu Shopping and Exploration
    • Meals :Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

    • Highlights :

      » Shopping

      » Relax

      » Farewell Dinner

     

  • Day 18 Departure Day
    • Meals :Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

    • Highlights :

      » Souvenir Shopping

      » Airport Drop with Khata/Khatag as a Symbol of Wishing Safe Journey

      » Group Photo

     

Manaslu Circuit Trek Photos / Videos

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pick-up and drop service
  • 4-night Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard)
  • Kathmandu sightseeing with tour licensed guide and car/ jeep/bus depending upon the group size
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
    • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
    • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
    • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group. 
  • Transportation costs: Comfortable Drive from Kathmandu to Trekking Starting Point (Baseri) and Trekking Ending Point (Tal) to Besishare by Local Jeep and Besishare to Kathmandu by car/jeep/ or local bus. (depending  upon the price and group size )
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge of briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff. 
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region. 
  • Trekking permits: Manaslu Conservation Area fees, Manaslu Special Permit (seven days only), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and TIMS card
  • First aid medical box
  • All required trekking gear like sleeping bags and down jackets made available on rent
  • T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with company logo
  • Rescue Management Service
  • 13% VAT and 10% company service charge
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Airport Pick-up and drop service
  • 4-night Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard)
  • Kathmandu sightseeing with tour licensed guide and car/ jeep/bus depending upon the group size
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • Breakfast during the trek
  • Transportation costs: Comfortable Drive from Kathmandu to Trekking Starting Point (Baseri) and Trekking Ending Point (Tal) to Besishare by Local Jeep and Besishare to Kathmandu by car/jeep/ or local bus. (depending  upon the price and group size )
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge of briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations which might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff. 
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region. 
  • Trekking permits: Manaslu Conservation Area fees, Manaslu Special Permit (seven days only), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and TIMS card
  • First aid medical box
  • All required trekking gear like sleeping bags and down jackets made available on rent
  • T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with company logo
  • Rescue Management Service
  • 13% VAT and 10% company service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses (laundry, electronic device charging cost, all alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, etc)
  • Tip for guide and porters
  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
  • All meals during the trek except for breakfast
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses (laundry, electronic device charging cost, all alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, etc)
  • Tip for guide and porters

Manaslu Circuit Trek Map

map of Manaslu Circuit Trek

Equipment Checklist

Equipment lists for 18 days Manaslu Circuit Trek

HEAD

Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Head Torch
Lip Balm
Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms

UPPER BODY

Cotton t-shirts and thermals
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket 

LOWER BODY

Lightweight cotton pants (long)
Waterproof pants
Underwear and Half pants
Inner thermals

FEET

Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable hiking boots
Light-weighted sandals

HANDS

Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
Creams
Sanitizer

ACCESSORIES

Sleeping bag rated to -10°C
Trekking bag (Rucksack)
Duffel bag
Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
Toiletries and Tissue Papers

First Aid Kits 

Personal Regular Medicines
Knee Caps
Bandages
Ointments
Blister Tape

MISCELLANEOUS

Medicines: We recommend you bring your regular medicines; we will provide a first aid kit from our side.
Light-weighted Towel
Swiss Knife
Passport and extra passport photos
Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer

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18 days
Apr 28, 2024 - May 19, 2024
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Manaslu Circuit Trek - 18 days

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Manaslu Circuit Trek Review

Reliable and experienced trekking service

JP
JP
Source:Trip Advisor

We organized a guided Manaslu circuit trek while staying at Hotel Green Horizon. With the help of Suman, who was originally from the Manaslu region, we managed to arrange the trek in a way that suited us perfectly (being able to continue to Annapurna circuit on our own). With Suman and his experience and knowledge about the treks in Nepal, it felt we were able to arrange exactly the kind of trek WE wanted. As for the guide, we could not have asked for a better one in Sonam, who was professional, informative and considered our opinions. Sonam was such a lovely person!

Unfortunately, we were not able to finish our trek due to dengue fever. However, Sonam was very helpful and made us feel safe while we were sick in the mountains. In the end, Suman and our guide Sonam arranged us an evacuation back to Kathmandu. You could feel how sorry they were for us for not being able to continue the trek but they cheered us and helped us out to arrange other stuff in Nepal.

Communication with both Suman and Sonam was fluent in English.

Friendly company to deal with and very attentive to details.

John J
John J
Source:Trip Advisor

Suman has lots of experience and can organise trips anywhere in Nepal for beginners right through to high altitude treks. Chirring (the guide on my trek in Manaslu) was fantastic..very supportive and patient with me - it was a pleasure trekking with him. I definitely recommend using this company. I also recommend the hotel next door (Hotel Green Horizon), which is good value and has friendly staff.

Personal and professional

Jalmar G
Jalmar G
Source:Trip Advisor

I booked two treks with Nepal mountain Trekkers, the Manaslu circuit and the Upper Mustang. It fitted perfectly in my traveling schedule. Suman arranged everything perfectly.

Let’s start with the Manaslu circuit, I had a great guide called Mod. He was very kind and it was a true pleasure to trek with him through the mountains. However due the heavy rainfalls we had to turn around. Safety first. Mod was very helpful and professional in rearranging the trip back down. Mother Nature is the boss and we only can anticipate!

The upper Mustang. Wow, what a track. I was with a fellow traveler and that was a great fit. The guide Sabin was very professional and kind. It was a true pleasure to spend this time in one of the most beautiful areas of Nepal with him and the my fellow traveler. Everything was perfectly arranged.

Thank you! ????

Fantastic Trekking Services!

Christopher C
Christopher C
Source:Trip Advisor

We just finished a two month stay in Nepal. From the airport our taxi driver recommended we go through Nepal Mountain Trekkers to book all our trekking-related needs, and drove us immediately to Ramesh’s shop outside his Hotel Green Horizon. Through Ramesh, we purchased our flights to Lukla for our Three Passes Trek, a jeep ride to the Manaslu Circuit trailhead, and our required guide for Manaslu. The entire experience was extremely smooth. Ramesh was very professional, friendly, and knowledgeable and helped ensure our experience in Nepal was a great one. Our Manaslu trek guide, Krishna, was also great. Ramesh’s Hotel Green Horizon in Kathmandu is beautiful, quiet, and clean.

Fantastic, highly recommended

Ang
Ang
Source:Trip Advisor

 

We did a 2 weeks Manaslu trek with Min and Rojan, and it was a truly fantastic experience. Min was professional, knowledgeable and very helpful. Min shared a lot about Nepal history and went out of his way to make us feel comfortable, well acclimatised, and not to mention, very well fed! If you are looking for a best in class trekking guide in Nepal, this is the right company to do it with.

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Manaslu Circuit Trek - 18 days

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