Manaslu Circuit Trek is a beautiful trekking journey that takes you to the remote and less-trodden region of Manaslu. The area gets its name from the majestic Manaslu (8163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
It is a daring trip that takes you through the Manang-Gandaki ravines. And Gorkhali valleys present an unadulterated ethnic presence of the Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu cultures. Moreover, the Manaslu region is also under the protection of the Manaslu Conservation Area; it is home to a wide array of endangered species of wildlife.
Mount Manaslu Trek starts with a scenic drive to Machha Khola. Next, the trekking trail takes you through many of the Gorkha region‘s ethnic villages and settlements each presenting breathtaking views of the Manaslu range. The valley is home to two major ethnic groups, the Nubri and the Tsum people. Manaslu trekkers can enjoy the cultural ethos of the Gurung, Bhutia, and Sherpa populace.
Additionally, trekking in the region has only recently opened in 1991. The region does not see as many trekkers as other destinations of Nepal. As such, the Mt. Manaslu Trek is a perfect option for trekkers looking for fewer crowds and off-the-beaten paths.
The trail circumambulates around the Himalayan peak. The following is the ancient salt-trading route along the Budi Gandaki River. Along the way, you will be presented with awe-inspiring views of Mount Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal Range.
Around Manaslu, Trekking also includes crossing the high Mountain Passes. The Manaslu Larke Pass is the highest point at an elevation of 5,160 meters on this trek. Descent from the Manaslu Larke Pass trekking, you can catch up to the Annapurna circuit trekking trail on Dharapani.
From here is an alternative way to trek continuing to the Annapurna circuit trek for 10 days more. Trek has an opulent cultural presence that isn’t affected by modernization.
A beautiful natural landscape embedded with trans-Himalayan woods. The Himalayan ambiance is difficult to find anywhere else. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a gorgeous journey that is perfectly in tune. Moreover, the trek is famous for its aesthetically pleasing attributes and soul-lifting charisma. It is a journey that you do not want to miss out on!
Similarly, at each step of the way, you will present the best available services at all times. From transportation and meals to accommodation and guidance. Our Manaslu Circuit Trek is designed for the customer’s satisfaction.
We guarantee you an unforgettable Himalayas journey. You may call us at any time, we are available 24/7. Correspondingly, you can also choose from many of our other available packages as well. Thus, book your trip with us today!
Mt. Manaslu, which stands at an altitude of 8,163 meters, is the beauty of the Manaslu region. The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers trekkers to enjoy the breathtaking view of this world’s third highest mountain in the world. From the beautiful sunrise view to cy slopes to the evening shadows on Mt Manaslu it shows how beautiful nature is.
Manaslu Conservation Area, which covers an area of 1663 sq. km, is home to rare wildlife species such as snow leopards, Himalayan Tahr, and red pandas. During the Manaslu Circuit trek, the rich, diverse biodiversity of this region will amaze you. Beautiful rhododendron forests, lush hills, pine forests, and bamboo forest adds to the beauty of this trek.
During the Manaslu Circuit, you will pass through several charming villages situated at high altitudes, like Namrung, Samagaun, and Lho. While you are in this village, you will enjoy the warm hospitality from the warm and welcoming Tibetan origin locals. Also, the traditional home, suspension bridge, prayer flag, chortens, prayer wheels, and Buddhist monasteries dotted the trekking routes, adding to the beauty of this village.
Pung Gyen Gompa (or Pungyen Monastery) is another main attraction of the Manaslu Circuit trek. This Buddhist monastery is situated at an altitude of 4,100 meters. Trekking in the remote Manaslu region and exploring this peaceful monastery is like finding a hidden gem.
Additionally, this monastery is surrounded by peaceful nature, where you can witness yaks graze peacefully in the stunning background of the snow-capped Manaslu range.
Another major attraction of the Manaslu Circuit trek is Birendra Tal, a mountain glacier which is situated at an altitude of 3650 meters. This beautiful clear and turquoise lake surrounded by snow-peaked mountains will leave you in awe. You can enjoy the scenery, take photographs or spend some quiet time meditating.
The trip to Manaslu Circuit will be incomplete with this mountain Manaslu pass, Larke Pass. Situated at the altitude of jaw-dropping 5,106 meters this is the highest altitude that you reach on this trek. Even though it is challenging to reach here, the breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks, including Himlung, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru, will amaze you.
The beauty of the Nepal trek is to experience the authentic mountain tea house and lodge. This accommodation is surrounded by beautiful scenery where you will take a rest after long days of trekking. Here, you can enjoy a warm, delicious meal, listen to stories from the local people by the fire, and connect with fellow trekkers from around the world.
Duration: This intense trek takes 15 days to complete, so trekkers must have at least this amount of time available.
Age requirement: No age restricition( best for above 10 years)
Experience: Beginners trekkers can join with no previous trekking experience required, but must have good stamina for walking.
Fitness Criteria: Participants must be able to walk for an average of 5-6 hours daily.
Health conditions: Should be fit and fine and must not have a previous history of AMS and underlying serious health conditions.
Travel insurance: Highly recommended with a helicopter evacuation plan.
What to expect: Dont expect Manaslu luxury trek on this trip. Prepare for Basic facilities during the trek.
Manaslu weather: Moderate during daytime and cold at night at high altitude during Spring and autumn.
We have some exciting alternative trekking packages. If you have already completed this Manaslu circuit trek and would like to do similar treks like the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and more. we offer all kinds of packages at the best affordable cost.
| Season | Weather | Temperature (Day) | Temperature (Night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons | 10°C to 20°C | -2°C to 5°C |
| Summer/Monsoon (Jun-Aug) | Warm, humid, frequent rainfalls | 15°C to 25°C | 5°C to 10°C |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Clear skies, ideal trekking conditions | 10°C to 18°C | -3°C to 5°C |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Cold, snow at higher altitudes | -2°C to 10°C | -10°C to -5°C |
It is possible to do the Manaslu Circuit trek throughout the year, but the best time for this trek is during the months of spring and autumn seasons, and let’s see why:
Note: Winter( December – February) and Monsoon(June—August) are considered the off-season for trekking in Nepal. In winter, the weather becomes harsh, and the temperature drops below the freezing point at high altitudes. Similarly, in the monsoon season, due to active rainfall and the chances of floods and landslides, we suggest you avoid high-altitude trekking.
Continue reading: Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit TrekTo manage the budget, it is important to know how much the Manaslu trek costs. You need to be aware of what is included in the Manaslu trekking package and what is not. For the 15-day Manaslu Circuit trek it will cost you USD 1044 Per Person. Remember, the more you are in a group, the greater discount you will get from High Route Adventure.
| Number of People | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2 – 4 | $1230 |
| 5 – 8 | $1157 |
| 9 – 12 | $1095 |
Worth reading: Manaslu Circuit Trek CostAs you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a friendly representative from High Route Adventure will be waiting to greet you at the arrival terminal. Look for our team holding a placard with your name for easy recognition.
After a warm welcome, we’ll transfer you in a private vehicle to your hotel in Thamel, the vibrant tourist hub of Kathmandu. Once checked in, you can relax and recover from your journey or explore the nearby streets filled with shops, cafés, and local culture.
In the evening, we’ll meet for a short trip briefing and preparation session, where you’ll meet your guide and go over the trekking plan. We'll also help with any last-minute gear checks or shopping if needed.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
This day is reserved for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city's four major UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath, the Swayambhunath Stupa, and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Each of the sites are revered religious and historical treasures that present amazing artwork and architectural integrity. They provide deep insight into the historical and religious context of Nepal. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, early in the morning, after having breakfast in your hotel, you will prepare to leave for Machha Khola. Our private vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and pack the luggage. You will start your scenic drive. Riding for around 7-8 hours, you will arrive at Machha Khola, and our trekking guide will assist for you in checking in the tea house.
Today, you will follow the twisting dirt pathway that will take you to the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. The path emerges out towards the village of Khorlabensi, a small Gurung village located on the lower ridgelines of the river valley. The path follows the river from here, and you will cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki to finally reach Dobhan, followed by Yaru. Just a few miles from Yaru lays Jagat. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Jagat.
Today, you will be trekking on the path toward the village of Salleri, one of the first villages after Jagat, along the trail. From Salleri, the trail then descends towards Sirdibas and further branches out towards Philim. The river flows through the landscape once again, and the path flows beside it. The path then ascends towards the valley hills covered in rhododendron blossoms. Finally, you will reach the Deng. Overnight stay at the teahouse at Deng.
Your journey will begin with a slow descend to the Bhudi Ghandaki River's riverbed. The path then continues on toward the Rana Gaon, which is packed with breathtaking scenery. Bhupedi and Gap will be our next destination. We will continue our tour after lunch at the Gap tea house. You will come across stunning waterfalls and rivers as you go through the verdant forest. As you continue to stroll, you will begin to see the region's Mani walls. You will then enter the Namrung village, which is dotted with mani walls, monasteries, and prayer flags, after exploring this. Overnight stay at the teahouse at Namrung.
It takes six to seven hours to get from Namrung Village to Syala Village. The trail climbs steadily and offers an exhilarating walk to the mountain's lap. Despite traveling through distinct communities, such as Lho village, we are still able to experience the local way of life, historic Buddhist monasteries, sceneries, and luminous mountains. There are many peaks in the enormous Lho town, as well as the greatest Buddhist monastery, Mout Manaslu, Buddhist Chhorten, and authentic homes. Surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Manaslu Himalayas, Shyala is a fantastic location where you can get up close and personal with Mount Manaslu. Overnight stay at the teahouse at Shyala Village
We have yet another exciting day on the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Itinerary from Syala. After breakfast, the hike starts at about eight in the morning.
Four hours from Syala to Pyungen Gompa: The first 1.5 hours are particularly difficult. After that, it's flat terrain for a little bit.
From Manaslu, the journey's best viewpoint, you can see the most breathtaking peak in this segment. The centerpiece of our excursion to Manaslu is this monastery, which is 600–700 years old. Overnight stay at the teahouse at Samagaon.
This day is reserved for acclimatization. You can trek to PungGyen Gompa today, located east of the Nubri valley. From the hilltop near the Gompa, you will be presented with breathtaking views of the Manaslu Peak. Nearby, the cliffs and pastures also harbor the Himalayan Thar and wild yaks. You can also choose to hike to the Manaslu Base Camp, which is located north of Sama Gaon. Following past the trail at Birendra Tal, you can steadily climb the hillock towards the base camp (4,400m), passing by the Manaslu glacier. After exploring the terrain, you will then return to the village. Overnight stay at the teahouse at Sama Gaon.
Today is a trek to the village of Samdo. You will follow the winding path that goes through alpine woods, which is home to a variety of wildlife. The forest also clears towards a yak pasture, where you can see a long Mani stone wall embedded in the field. Leaving the tree line, you will climb to the ridge and walk under another Kani towards Samdo. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Samdo.
From Samdo, you will follow a steady trail that leads to Dharamsala. Along the way, you will be trekking through woodlands that harbor many marmots. Occasionally, you can also spot a Pica scattering swiftly along the forest floor. Dharamsala sports a few stone houses to serve the travelers who are heading to the Larkya La Pass (5160m). Overnight stay at the lodge at Dharamsala.
This is an arduous day of trekking. You will wake up early in the morning to make your way towards the Larke Pass. With a steady climb, you will reach the top of the mountain pass that presents breath-taking views of the sprawling valley below, as well as the Manaslu (8163m), Himlung (7126m) near Tibet, and the Kang Guru Peak in the distance. After taking in the view, you will then descend the pass, slowly trudging along the trail, which is steep and rocky. After a steady 3 hours of descent, you will reach Bimthang. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Bimthang.
Today, you will climb downhill from Bimthang, walking through beautiful trans-Himalayan woods back to the Dudh Khola. Along the way, you can stop at the settlement of Kharche. From here, the trail becomes rough as it descends towards the Goa, a rather large Gurung village. Staying on the northern bans of the river, the path then finally reaches Tilije.
After having a warm breakfast in the Tilje Hotel, you will pack all your belongings and prepare to leave for Kathmandu. Leaving Tilje village, you will you’ll descend towards Dharapani. Today will be your last day of trekking on the Manaslu Circuit trek. Passing through the Gurung settlement and Tibetan-influenced village you will arrive at Thoche village. Crossing the suspension bridge, you will arrive at Dharapani, ride the private vehicle and head toward Kathmandu.
Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be dropped off at the airport for your departure.
Graded as moderate in difficulty level, trekkers must be aware of this challenge that they need to face while undertaking the Manaslu Circuit trek. Let's see the difficult factors and how you can prevent them from making your trip more adventurous and safe.
One of the main challenges that trekkers need to face during the trip to Manaslu Circuit trek is high altitude. This trip takes you to the maximum altitude of up to 5,160 meters at Larkya La Pass, where some trekkers can face altitude symptoms.
Tips: You can use Diamox and follow a proper acclimatization plan during the Manaslu Circuit trek to reduce altitude effect.
During the Manaslu Circuit trek, trekkers need to walk for around 5-7 hours every day. This can be tiresome, especially for beginner trekkers who don’t have long-hour trekking experience.
Tips: Engage in fitness activities like cardio exercises, strength training, and endurance workouts for 1-2 months before heading for the trek. Continue reading: Training Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu circuit is less popular than the Everest base camp trek and Annapurna base camp trek. Due to this reason you will find a limited number of trekkers in the trekking trails. Also, the trail takes you to isolated areas with limited access to emergency services.
Tips: Purchase travel insurance that covers high altitude risk, including emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Manaslu Circuit Treks provides you with a tea house, but the facilities inside this accommodation are very basic. You will have a limited choice of food and amenities. Additionally, modern facilities such as ATMs and advanced healthcare services are not available during the trek.
Tips: Pack essential items with you, including cash, during the Manaslu Circuit trek.
Manaslu Circuit trekking can become tough due to the sudden change in weather conditions. If weather becomes bad then the trail path can be icy and slippery due to snow or rainfall. Also, the fluctuation in temperature can trouble the trekkers.
Tips: Always check weather conditions before heading for the Manaslu Circuit trek and pack clothing and gear that suits all weather conditions.
Read more: Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty: Conquer Top 6 Challenges
The Manaslu Circuit trek will be manageable with proper planning and preparation. Thousands of trekkers have completed this trek with preparation and the assistance of High Route Adventure. Let’s look at the expert tips to help make your trip safe and secure:
We suggest all our participants research about the Manaslu Circuit trek before heading for this beautiful journey. Familiarize yourself with the Manaslu trekking route, altitude, weather conditions, and cultural aspects of the Manaslu region.
You need to have a valid passport and travel insurance(highly recommended) for this Manaslu Circuit trek. Arrange the flight ticket to Nepal according to your booking date, and for the visa, you can get here in the airport. We suggest you take 30 days for this trek, which will cost you USD 50.
The 15 Days Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary that we present to you is the standard itinerary. Depending upon your interest and preference we can customize the Manaslu Circuit itinerary for you.
Some trekkers may experience altitude sickness during the 15-day Manaslu Circuit trek. It’s important to be aware of the early symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, and loss of appetite. You can follow this acclimatization plan to reduce the AMS such as:
When you are in Manaslu Circuit trek you will be far from your friends and family. So to connect with your loved ones, carry local SIM by purchasing from Kathmandu airport. You can use a local sim for communication as well as for the mobile internet. Also before heading for the Manaslu Circuit stay updated about road and weather conditions.
Read more: How Do I Prepare for Manaslu Circuit Trek?
| Permit Type | Cost (Per Person) | Details |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | - September to November: USD 100 for the first 7 days, USD 15 per additional day. - December to August: USD 75 for the first 7 days, USD 10 per additional day. | Required for trekking in the restricted Manaslu region. Must be obtained through a registered trekking agency. |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 25) | Required for entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area. |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 25) | Required for entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area, as the trek overlaps with this region. |
| TIMS Card | Not required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek | TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) is not applicable for restricted area treks. |
Note: All the Manaslu Circuit trek permits must be arranged through high-route adventure. You need to show these permits at various Manaslu Circuit trekking checkpoints.
Lunch and dinner in Nepal are often served with the famous Dal Bhat set — a traditional Nepalese meal that includes steamed or boiled rice with lentil soup, accompanied by seasonal vegetables or meat (if available), and a side of spicy pickles or sauce for extra flavor.
In addition to Dal Bhat, many lodges also offer fried or boiled noodle soups with options for vegetables, eggs, or meat. Depending on the location, you may also find a variety of international dishes including Continental, Mexican, Italian, Indian, and Chinese cuisines, along with hearty local Nepalese meals.
Accommodations in Kathmandu and on the path area unit are enclosed within the package price. You will be staying at 3-star or similar deluxe hotels in Kathmandu and eleven nights' best available teahouse during the trek.
Before, trekkers had to have their own camping equipment and food to carry as there were no lodges or tea houses for travelers. At present, the area is getting more attention and popularity. Slowly, villagers built lodges to cater to the requirements of trekkers' comfort.
Most lodges on the Manaslu trekking route are simple with basic facilities, but the rooms are clean with a large dining hall. As well as a warm and friendly environment serving meals as per the menu and season-wise.Most rooms are on a twin-sharing basis with common bathrooms and toilets or washrooms, with a large dormitory where 5 to 10 people could share.
A few places like Jagat, Namrung, Lo, and Sama-Gaon do have attached baths, but on very limited. At the base of Larke-La Pass, called Phedi as well as Dharmasala, the lodge and guest-house of minimum facilities, serving simple beds and foods as well warm refreshments. Sometimes, during peak times of trekking, the place can get crowded, and spend nights in the tents of a lodge. Due to this reason you can call it Manaslu tea house trek.
High passes are a part of every trekking, like as Manaslu's Larke-La, which is 5,106 meters (16,752 feet) high. Very important to know while visiting places in the high Himalayas. Some trekkers may experience the symptoms of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), at elevations of 2,000 to 3,000 meters. Mild headache, nausea, dehydration, loss of appetite, and restless nights are the common signs.
To avoid AMS, a rest day is very necessary at a certain height like around 2,800 m or above 3,000 m spending a few days to support acclimatization. Enough rest and taking a short hike around, as well as drinking much fluid like water, a cup of black or green tea, and lemonade can overcome high altitude sickness or AMS.
A rest day is essential to preventing AMS at a specific elevation, such as 2,800 meters or higher, where acclimatization is supported for a few days. High altitude sickness, or AMS, can be overcome with adequate rest, a quick climb, and lots of fluids including water, green or black tea, and lemonade.
Some people can take precautions by taking Diamox or Acetazolamide tablets, which can prevent and lessen AMS symptoms
You May Also Read: How to Prevent Altitude Sickness on Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Safe drinking water is the most important part of daily life as well for trekking; safe drinking water is available at every lodge/tea house on a Manaslu Circuit trek. Three main types of safe drinking water are available on the trek, which are tap water, spring and bottled water.
If you are using tap or spring water, we suggest you use the Water purification tablet, which you can easily find in the medical shop.
Mineral or bottled water is available in every store, shop, and restaurant of the lodge, but it can be very expensive. As you reach higher areas, the price will be almost double what you pay in lower villages.
To be in good shape, healthy, and keep fit, as per medical advice at high altitudes, one needs to consume a minimum of 2 liters per day.
It is very important and necessary to obtain travel and medical insurance for your own safety purposes and benefits. As you never know what circumstance lies ahead, you can get very sick from diarrhea, altitude sickness /AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), as well as sudden accidents in unavoidable situations. Where patients need to be evacuated immediately by any means of quick transport like the Helicopter service is the fastest way to reach medical help.
Where all your medical bills including the service of the Helicopter, will be reimbursed by your insurance company, depending upon the nature of the insurance policy. Another reason for travel insurance is just in case the Manaslu Circuit trip can be obstructed by bad weather if the pass gets heavy snow. Where the trek needs to be re-routed to another destination or might get canceled, your travel insurance comes in handy in these types of situations. Make sure you have working travel insurance so that you can claim the money for the evacuation later on.
The starting trek point of the Manaslu Circuit trek is Machha Khola which is around 162 kilometers by road from Kathmandu. To reach Machha Khola High Route Adventure will arrange a private jeep. It will take you around 6 hours to reach Machha Khola. The road conditions until Dhading are fine, but after you cross Seti Khola, you can expect rough roads.
Note: During the monsoon season, road conditions might be affected due to heavy rainfall. Additionally, as the region is prone to floods and landslides during this time, we recommend avoiding travel during this season.
Read more: Ground Transport for Manaslu Circuit Trekking
To make your Manaslu Circuit trek pleasant and successful, we will provide you with a team consisting of a trekking guide, an assistant guide for large groups, and porters. Our Knowledgeable guide will lead the trek and arrange the food, accommodation, and logistics for you. Our porter will carry your main luggage bag, and one porter will be divided among two trekkers. Our porter will carry a language weighing 20 kg.
High Route Adventure is one of the leading trekking companies in Nepal for Manaslu Circuit Trek. We have operated this trek successfully for many years, and our experience and guidance will help you to achieve your goal. Our trekking guide and porter will accompany you throughout the trek, focusing on safe trekking and sustainable tourism. You will not only enjoy the trek, but we guarantee that it will remain in your memories forever. Additionally, from arrival to departure, we will take care of everything for you with no hidden cost on the Manaslu Circuit trek Package.
Yes, beginner trekkers can participate in the Manaslu Circuit Trek, but it requires good preparation. They need to walk for many hours, cross high mountain passes, and stay in tea houses with limited facilities. Many beginners have successfully completed this trek by preparing themselves physically, following the guidance of a trekking guide, and traveling in groups with the help of a porter. Beginner trekkers should have strong determination, and with a little effort, even first-time trekkers can enjoy this adventure.
If you want to make your Manaslu Circuit trek more adventurous, then High Route Adventure presents the option of Tsum Valley trek in your Manaslu Circuit itinerary. This option is best for experienced trekkers and for those who want to save budget for two different treks in one.
For more details check here: Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek map is a super useful tool, ensuring you find your way through the sometimes tough but always rewarding landscapes. It helps you see and experience the beauty of the Manaslu region and the culture of the people living there.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't require a lot of intricate gear and equipment for this journey. Here's a basic checklist of the vital elements you must remember to carry when heading for Manaslu Circuit Trek:
There are only a few of the essential items. Find a Packing list for the trekking in Nepal.
The majority of trekking gear can be rented in Kathmandu, alleviating the need for heavy baggage. By packing only the necessities and acquiring the remaining items through rentals or purchases in Kathmandu, you can travel light. Thamel's shops provide both branded and locally crafted gear and equipment.
You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is completely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it in storage.
