Trip Facts

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Trip Duration 17 Days
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Trip Difficulty Strenuous
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Maximum Altitude 5,135m/16,847ft
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Best Season To Visit March to May, September to December

Trip Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, part of the Great Himalaya Trail, offers a unique adventure in the Himalayan region. Located about 40 miles east of Kathmandu, it differs from the popular Annapurna region. Named ‘Manaslu’ from Sanskrit ‘Manasa,’ meaning spirit, it reflects the awe-inspiring mountains.

Geographically, the Manaslu region ranges from subtropical foothills to arid high pastures bordering Tibet. Starting at Macha Khola, the trek climbs to Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), with stunning views of Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and other peaks.

Renowned for its small tea houses, providing accommodation and local meals, the trek immerses trekkers in local lifestyles and cultures. Journeying through forests, ancient architecture, and Buddhist monasteries, the route unveils the region’s rich history.

Additionally, the Manaslu Trek introduces trekkers to Tsum and Nubri ethnicities, intertwined with the landscape. Visits to Nubri and Tsum valleys, hidden treasures of the Manaslu region, enrich the cultural experience.

Each year, many trekkers choose the Manaslu Circuit for its pristine landscapes, cultural authenticity, and challenging terrain. Whether seasoned trekkers or newcomers, adventurers can expect a memorable blend of natural splendor and cultural immersion.

For those considering this trek, customizable itineraries ensure a fulfilling and memorable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.

Are you ready to have an awesome experience in Manaslu Circuit Trek? Contact Us

Note: Below trekking hours, altitudes and distances are approximate, and absolutely for the general idea only.

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu Airport

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m) Kathmandu

Accommodation: ***Hotel Tibet or similar

On arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal. You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle.

Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Day 02: Cultural Introductory Tour and Trek Preparation

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Tour Duration:  Approx. 8 hours

Accommodation: ***Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

9:00 AM: After breakfast, we start our guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You will head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with the wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: Boudhanath

Then we drive towards Boudhanath.  From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupas in Nepal, built in the 5th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. You can see the beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. It is believed that prayer flags convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

You can witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, you will visit the Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of the Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in a spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. You will get to witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also witness elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines. After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu - Macha Khola

Altitude above sea level: 900 m

Driving duration: 9–10 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After an early breakfast, you start a long scenic drive by private vehicle. You drive west on the main Kathmandu to Pokhara highway towards the village of Macha Khola. Further, you turn off to head North, following Buri Gandaki to Arughat Bazaar. The drive passes through beautiful hamlets, green terraces, lush hillsides, and small towns. . Eventually, the road becomes bumpy and dusty. Along the way, you can see a glimpse of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal.

 

Day 04: Trek Macha Khola - Jagat

Altitude above sea level: (1,440 m) Jagat

Hiking duration: 6-7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast in Machha Khola, you’ll continue the trek, which follows the canyon and continues up the river. The trail is narrow at first and gradually treks up and down, finally traversing the Tharo Khola to reach Khorlabesi where there is a small natural hot spring.

From here, you’ll make your way up over another ridge, then cross the Budi Gandaki via a suspension bridge. At this point, you will hike up a wide stone staircase all the way to the ridge of  Dobhan. Once you cross another suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, ascend a stone staircase and then hike down to the river and climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang.

Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, you’ll climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then hike up towards the village of Jagat.

Day 05: Trek Jagat - Deng

Altitude above sea level: (1,860 m) Deng

Hiking duration: 6–7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast in the village of Jagat, you’ll make your way through numerous landscapes and thick subtropical forests, along with small rivers and rural villages to get to your final destination.

As you leave Jagat, you cross a rocky ridge that takes you to Salleri village. Thereafter, you descend to Sirdibas, then cross, using a large suspension bridge, the Buri Gandaki River. Further, take a steep to ascend to Philim, a local Gurung village.

After passing through a hillside, you come across Ekle Bhatti (“lonely tea house”) before crossing the river again. Then the trail enters the stunning part of the gorge, surrounded by orchids on the top. Subsequently, a steep ascent to the west side of the valley will take you through bamboo forests to Deng.

Day 06: Trek Deng - Namrung

Altitude above sea level: (2,540 m) Namrung

Hiking duration: 6-7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You will hit a trail to Namrung, after a hearty breakfast.  You set off for today’s trek crossing the Budhi Gandaki and hiking up the bridge. From here you will ascend a bit further to connect to a trail from Bhi. Further, continue west up the valley traversing verdant forests, alpine vegetation, and picturesque villages of ethnic groups of the Manaslu region, with major peaks starting to loom in the distance

Thereafter, you will take the trail through Prok. This village has a spectacular viewpoint of the snow-capped Siringi Himal. You can savor the view here and then continue to cross the Budhi Gandaki passing through several gompas.

The trail then follows the river upstream through a dense forest and takes to a narrow gorge. Keep an eye out for gray Langur monkeys roaming around. The forest becomes less dense, and the trail is levelled once you cross the river at a gorge. This rewarding part of the walk is a superb way to experience the Manaslu Conservation Area. After a pleasant walk, take a final steep ascent that will take you to the village of Namrung. Namrung is a perfect vantage point for Siringi and Ganesh Himal as well as Mt. Himal Chuli.

Day 07: Trek Namrung - Lho

Altitude above sea level: (3,020 m) Lho

Hiking duration: 4 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast in Namrung, you can stroll around the village to catch a spectacular view of Sringi Himal, and Himal Chuli. Once on the trail, initially, you take an ascent gradually and pass through forests to reach Lihi. This village is renowned for its chortens and barley terraces. Then you take a descending trail and cross the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by.  Further along, you will pass through the villages of  Sho and before reaching Lho village. It is a big village with a monastery and a Lama school, along with a majestic view of Manaslu and Kutang Himal. Once you arrive at Lho you can visit the monastery and explore the Tibetan culture.

Day 08: Trek Lho - Samagaon

Altitude above sea level: (3,450 m) Samagaon

Hiking duration: 4 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you will leave Lho behind and head towards Samagaon. Today, you will pass through Shyala village, followed by a river originating from the glacier of Pungyen and several chortens and monasteries. As you traverse the ridge, you will reach the fields of Samagaon.

Once you reach Samagaon, you will see the potatoes and barley fields. Also, weaving is the main occupation of the people of Samagaon.

Day 9: Acclimatization and rest day at Samagaon

Altitude above sea level: (3,450 m) Samagaon

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is a day for proper acclimatization. After breakfast, you can either have a rest or take a day hike to a tiny hill near Sama village.

For those who want to explore, there’s an optional day hike that explores some rich Sherpa culture. You can enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts, as well as photos of Sherpa women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. If you hike up to a little hill near the Sama village and visit old Pungyen Gompa. From the ridge, you can enjoy a fine view of the glacier.

You can also walk towards Manaslu Base Camp. En route to the base camp, you will pass by Birendra Lake, a frozen and beautiful lake.

Day 10: Trek Samagaon - Samdo

Altitude above sea level: (3,860 m) Samdo

Hiking duration: 3–4 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you hit a trail to Samdo village.  You will trek down to the Budhi Gandaki River and follow it to a bridge over a sidestream. Then, past numerous Mani walls as the valley begins to widen. The mountain views along this trail are incredible and get you close to the Tibetan border. The trail is rewarded with commanding views of Manaslu North, Nike peak, and Samdo peak. Along the way, you may come across mountain goats and yaks grazing on the field along the way.

Further, take a gentle walk on a ridge above the river that passes juniper and birch forests to the stone huts at  Kermo Kharka. Thereafter,  you take a descending trail and cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge.  Then ascend steeply onto a cliff between two confluences of the river. You’ll come to a stone archway and keep on trekking all the way to Samdo.

Day 11: Rest and Acclimatization day at Samdo

Altitude above sea level: (3,860 m) Samdo

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

This is another day to take a break for proper acclimatization. You can either take a rest or walk towards Gya La (‘large pass’) to the north of Samdo.  Gya La Pass (5,300 m) is a frequently used trading route to Tibet.

Alternatively, you can take an easy trail up the valley directly behind Samdo to one of the trade passes headed for Tibet. This route has commanding views of Manaslu along with other Himalayan ranges comprising Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo, and Kang Guru behind the pass. En route to this vantage point, you will pass several seasonal herding settlements called doksas and witness some beautiful birds such as the Lophophorus (the national bird of Nepal), Lammergeyer, and Himalayan Griffin soaring above.

Day 12: Trek Samdo - Larkya Phedi

Altitude above sea level: (4,460 m) Larkya Phedi

Hiking duration: 3–4 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll pass a seasonal Tibetan market called Larke Bazaar (ruin Tibetan market) and drop into the Budi Gandaki River. Further, traverse the wooden bridge and take uphill, crossing two streams while seeing the Larkya Glacier. Then, you’ll head up through Salka Khola valley and ascend again to Dharamsala, also called Larke Phedi. Witness Samdo Peak behind, the entire climbing route of the Manaslu summit on the left, and the Larkya glacier en-route.

Day 13: Trek Larkya Phedi to Bimtang

Altitude above sea level: (3,590 m) Bimtang, (5,135 m) Larkya La Pass 

Hiking duration: 8–9 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Leaving Larkya Phedi, you will set out on a longer hike after a refreshing breakfast. Though it’s a more challenging trail, you’ll come across a number of rustic villages, clear glacier lakes, picturesque valleys, varied flora and fauna, and some remarkable snowy peaks.

Your journey begins with a gradual uphill to a small valley north of Larkya Glacier. From there you can savor the mesmerizing sight of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Furthermore, walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gentle ascent, which becomes steeper in the final section of the pass. From here, there is a breathtaking spectacle of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the massive Annapurna II. You’ll complete a rewarding walk into misty low pastures in the early evening, with Mount Manaslu emerging in the distance. The trail then descends to the low pastures until you arrive at Bhimtang.

Day 14: Trek Bimtang - Dharapani

Altitude above sea level: (1,860 m) Dharapani

Hiking duration: 7–8 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a long day at Larkya La Pass, you start the day by trekking down the Budhi Gandaki river. After traversing the wooden bridge over the river, you’ll hike along the dense forest of rhododendron trees. Further, continue towards the narrow valley until you reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche. Following a few hours of walking on the river banks, you’ll arrive in the village of Gho. Thereafter, keep on hiking all the way to Tilije.

Walking through the beautiful villages, you pass through the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and hike up through a stupa-shaped arch, and past numerous Mani walls before you reach Thonje village. The trail further goes through police check-posts before entering the route to Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani. Now, you have exited the Manaslu Conservation Area and entered the Annapurna Conservation Area of the trek.

Day 15: Trek Dharapani - Jagat

Altitude above sea level: (1,440 m) Jagat

Hiking Duration: 6 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is the last day of our trek, as you exit the Manaslu Conservation Area and entered the Annapurna Conservation Area of the trek. You will trek on the descending path along Marshyangdi River. The trail then, further, passes through the steepest part of the Marshyangdi gorge, from where you descend all the way to Jagat.

Day 16: Drive Jagat - Kathmandu

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m) Kathmandu

Driving duration: 7-8 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: *** Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast, and Lunch

After a hearty breakfast, you drive to Besisahar. Further, you pass all the way through the banks of Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers. Along the way, enjoy the scenery and refreshing views of the hilly areas and mountains on the way back to Kathmandu. Once you reach Kathmandu, our representative will transfer you to your hotel.

Day 17: Final departure

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the wonderful experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check-in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.

Price Included

What's Included

  • Private airport transfer
  • Private transfers to/from trek point
  • Guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour with entrance fees.
  • Three nights hotel*** in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Tea house lodge accommodation during trekking on full board
  • Conservation fees, Trek permit, restricted area permit
  • Trek guide and porter
  • Staff insurance and allowances.
  • Duffle bag

What's not Included

  • Additional tours and meals that are not mentioned,
  • Beverages
  • Personal equipment
  • Visa fee: US$ 30 for 15 days and US$ 50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days for multiple entries
  • Insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects), Liability insurance
  • Tips

Reviews

Fred, Canberra, Australia 

We did this trek in 2009 and it was a wonderful experience. There were 8 of us, 6 of whom were all late 50s at the time. Tulsi and...

Fred, Canberra, Australia

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Manaslu Circuit Trek (GHT)