Manaslu Circuit Trek is truly a beautiful, unspoiled, and unique trekking trail in Nepal that takes one to the real paradise on the lap of the Himalayas. Manaslu Circuit Trail lies in the remote region of the northern part of Gorkha district bordering Tibet (China) which is cradled between the river Budhi Gandaki on the east and the Marshyangdi River to the west.
Manaslu was coined from the Sanskrit word "Manasa" which translates as “intellect or soul”. So, Manaslu means "the mountain of the spirit, " the 8th highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8163M to the east of Mount Annapurna (8091M).
Although mountaineers had access for a long time in the Manaslu region, however, for trekkers, it was officially opened only in 1991. Britishers are more attached to Mount Everest and regard it as theirs sentimentally, and so is Mount Manaslu to the Japanese.
Manaslu Circuit is a less trekked trail compared to the Annapurna and Everest region because of its strict provision by the Government and to fulfill those trekkers need to follow some important procedures to obtain Permits. This region is rich in cultural heritage, amazing lakes, breathtaking waterfalls, ancient monasteries, and a great view of Mount Manaslu and other surrounding mountains.
Manaslu Circuit excursion goes through the Manaslu Conservation Area which was declared a conservation area in 1998. This trek is listed as a restricted area of Nepal, so trekkers need Special Permits as well along with other regular permits to trek in this region.
Hiking around Manaslu is becoming an alternative to Everest and Annapurna due to its unique landscape, pristine natural beauty, culture, and traditions which are disappearing from other traditional trekking areas of Nepal.
The voyage to the Manaslu Circuit begins with an epic ride to Arughat Bazaar (6,20M), the traditional gateway to Manaslu Circuit trekking. However, with road construction now trekkers can drive to Maccha Khola (9,30M)which goes along the Budhigandaki River. This has minimized a couple of days for the trek.
After Arughat Bazaar, your drive journey goes along the upstream of the Budhi Gandaki River passing Soti Khola to reach Machha Khola (9,30M) for the first day overnight. Trek gradually goes to Jagat (1,410M), Philim (1,519M), Deng (1,800M), and Namrung (2,660M) for other nights.
The trail after Namrung goes to another typical Tibetan village of Lo-Gaun (3,180M) and Samagaun (3,530M) for the next day. You take another day at Samagaun for acclimatization and exploration in which you will have choices to explore Birendra Lake, or all day long round trip onwards to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa.
After the Samagaun trail go onwards to Samdo (3,690M) and to Dharamsala (4,470M) which is your last night in Budhi Gandaki valley of Gurkha District.
The trip starts early in the morning for the highest point of the trip, Larkey Pass (5,100M), and reaches Bhimthang (3,720M). Larkey Pass is the border landmark between Gurkha District and Manang District.
Leaving Bhimthang then descends to Tilje (2,300M) and to Dharapani (1,860M), where you meet the trail to Annapurna Circuit Trek. the trek continues down to Chamje (1,430M) and Jagat (1,300M) from where drive back to Kathmandu.
Our Manaslu Circuit Journey itinerary is designed as the best itinerary on which trekkers have ample time to acclimatize before crossing the Larkey La Pass (5106M), you can enjoy the Manaslu scenery and places of highlights on its full display.
However, if you are a real adventurer, physically fit, and have good experience in high-altitude trekking you can customize the Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary as per your desire to finish it earlier or can extend it further. For more details please inquire us.
Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Experience the best Off-the-beaten trail in Nepal
- Enjoy the first-hand Hospitality of the local tribe and explore their unique culture and tradition
- Explore the majestic landscape, hills, himalayas, snow-melted rivers, and waterfalls throughout
- Explore the enchanting Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake
- Visit the border of Tiber
- Visit the Majestic Monastery of the Manaslu Region
- Stunning Larkey La Pass, the highest of the Manaslu region
Manaslu Circuit Trek Day-to-Day Altitude Profile
Manaslu Circuit Trek is an easygoing trail through the hills into the valley and lakes finally reaching the highest point at Larkey La Pass (5106M), and then the trail descends along with the altitude.
The overall, success of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is mainly determined by the altitude gain while trekking. So, the right ascend of the altitude will always benefit first-time trekkers to make a successful ascend of the entire Circuit of the Manaslu Trek.
Day 1: Kathmandu - Maccha Khola (930m / 3,051ft)
Day 2: Machhakhola - Jagat (1,340m / 4,396ft)
Day 3: Jagat - Deng (1,804m / 5,918ft)
Day 4: Deng - Namrung (2,630 m / 8,628ft)
Day 5: Namrung - Lho Gaun (2,957m / 9,701ft)
Day 6: Lho Gaon - Sama Gaun (3,530 m / 11,581ft )
Day 7: Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,400m / 14,435ft)
Day 8: Trek to Samdo (3,865m / 12,680ft)
Day 9: Acclimatization and Explore Tibet Border (5,000m / 16,404ft)
Day 10: Samdo - Dharmasala (4,460m / 14,632ft)
Day 11: Samdo - Bimthang (3,590m / 11,778ft) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m / 16,752ft)
Day 12: Bhimtang - Dharapani (1,970m / 6.463ft)
Day 13: Dharapani - Besisahar - Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft)
Check Availablity: Group Joining Date and Price: Click Here
Detailed Itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal (1,350m / 4,429ft) - 30 min drive to the hotel
A representative from Discover Altitude will escort you to your hotel and after refreshments, a short briefing and introduction session with your guide will be organized and we will recheck all the gear and necessary equipment for the trek.
- Include: Private Car for Airport Pick Up | 3 Star Category Accommodation on BB Basis
- Exclude: Lunch | Dinner
Day 2: Drive to Maccha Khola (930m / 3,051ft) 8 hrs
Your journey starts with a scenic drive along the Prithivi highway and branches off to Dhading Beshi and up to Arughat Bazar which used to be the main trailhead to the Manaslu circuit trek.
From here on you enter the Gurkha district. Then the rough road drive continues to Machha Khola via Soti Khola. Machha Khola is a small town situated near the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River.
The entire drive will be majestic mainly through the rural areas of Nepal, with the view of the hills, Himalayas, villages, rivers, and fabulous landscape.
- Include: Private to Car Bus Park | Tourist Bus + Trek Guide | 3 Meals ( BLD) | Tea House Accommodation
- Exclude: Cold and Hot Drinks | Personal Expenses
Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1,340m / 4,396ft) 6 hrs
The day begins with crossing Machha Khola an easy walk along the river and crossing a suspension bridge just before reaching the small village of Khola Beshi(970m).
After this, the trail continues along the Budhi Gandaki River with minor ups and downs to Tatopani, a small place with few basic lodges situated by the Hot spring.
After a short walk on the ridge, the trail crosses to the eastern side of the Budhi Gandaki River over a suspension bridge and climbs up through a stone staircase to Dovan, a small village with local farmlands where you stop for lunch.
Leaving Dovan, the trek climbs up to Thulo Dhunga passing through scree slopes, and still, the trail climbs uphill through a stone staircase to Yaru Khola(1330m), a pleasant small place near the river.
Then, climb up to the ridge top crossing a suspension bridge over Yaru Khola and soon crossing another cantilever bridge hanging on a cliff. Then an easy walk to another small place next to the bridge.
Hereafter the trail crosses to another side of the river climbs up to the ridge and descends to the river bank the first part of which has few lodges near the riverbank.
The main part of Jagat is situated around the corner which takes about 10 minutes to walk from here. Jagat has a beautiful stone-made village with a police checkpoint and lodges
- Include: Trek Guide | 3 Meals ( BLD) | Tea House Accommodation
- Exclude: Cold and Hot Drinks | Personal Expenses
Day 4: Trek to Deng (1,804m / 5,918ft) 5 hrs
The second day of the trek will be an easy go through the Gurung Village and forest. This will be in a lowland with a majestic view of farmland and typical settlement. Hike will go through the hills and villages and one can explore the daily activities of the local dwellers.
As the hike continues also through the Budhi Gandaki River, you will cross the suspension bridge over the river to reach Deng village.
- Include: Trek Guide | 3 Meals ( BLD) | Tea House Accommodation
- Exclude: Cold and Hot Drinks | Personal Expenses
Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2,630 m / 8,628ft) 6 hrs
The day begins with an undulate walk along and above the Budhi Gandaki River making it to Sringi Khola.
After crossing a bridge over Sringi Khola the trail climbs up steeply then it is more ups and downs through the forest to the first part of Ghap(2160m) which has a few houses and farmland.
Hereafter the trail drops to the river and climbs shortly up to the main part of Ghap. Ghap has 6-7 lodges with beautiful corn and barley fields, enjoy your lunch here.
Leaving Ghap, the trail climbs gently through the jungle then a steep uphill climb through a denser forest of rhododendron, bamboo, and fir to Namrung. Namrung is a small lovely village made of stones.
Namrung is the beginning point of the upper valley of the Budhi Gandaki River which is known as "Nubri Valley" which means ' western mountains'. This place has police checkpoints, phone and internet service, and small shops.
- Include: Trek Guide | 3 Meals ( BLD) | Tea House Accommodation
- Exclude: Cold and Hot Drinks | Personal Expenses
Day 6: Trek to Lho Gaun (2,957m / 9,701ft) 4.5 hrs
The day starts with a short descent to the stream and continues through pine forests and local farmlands. Now the valley broadens, and the trail eventually climbs steeply to Li-Gaun(2910m), a small village with wheat fields and an apple orchard.
After this, the trail drops to Hinang Khola crosses the bridge, and a steep climb to the gate of Kyo-Gaun (2950m), another Beautiful village with wheat fields and more apple orchards. From here on the view of Mount Manaslu, Manaslu North, Naike Peak appears at the head of the valley.
The Syo-Gaun trail continues to climb uphill up to Lo-Gaun(3180m). Lo-Gaun has a closely packed stone-made house with several prayer flags hanging on their roofs.
There are beautiful Chhortens and Mani-walls around this village, beyond Lo-Gaun there is a big monastery nestled on the top of the hill.
- Include: Trek Guide | 3 Meals ( BLD) | Tea House Accommodation
- Exclude: Cold and Hot Drinks | Personal Expenses
Day 7: Trek to Sama Gaun - Visit Birendra Lake (3,530m / 11,581ft) 4 hrs
Today's trek starts with an easy walk passing through stone Mani-wall and big Chorten then drops down to a stream and climbs above through a dense forest of pines and rhododendron to Syala Gaun(3500m).
Now, the valley widens up more, and panoramic mountain views appear such as Nadi Chuli(7871m), Himal Chuli(7893m), Manaslu, and other surrounding mountains.
After Syala Gaun, the trail continues until the Numla Khola climbs up the ridge and crosses the suspension bridge. After a short easy walk, extensive Pasture land and local fields appear.
Hereafter, it's an easy walk passing through the old village of Samagaun to the end of the village where most of the lodges are located.
- Include: Trek Guide | 3 Meals ( BLD) | Tea House Accommodation
- Exclude: Cold and Hot Drinks | Personal Expenses
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Day 8: Acclimatization Day - Day trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4,400m / 14,435ft) 6.5 hrs
Today is your acclimatization day so you can choose to go for an all-day-long walk to Pungyen Gompa near the Manaslu glacier along with the amazing lake of Birendra depending on the energy level you have left.
Further, you can hike towards the Manaslu Base Camp to explore the closer view of the Manaslu and the other Himalyans extending in the Manaslu Range.
- Include: Trek Guide | 3 Meals ( BLD) | Tea House Accommodation
- Exclude: Cold and Hot Drinks | Personal Expenses
Day 9: Trek to Samdo (3,865m / 12,680ft) 4 hrs
The day begins with an easy walk through bushes and crosses a stream where now the valley widens more. The walk continues on pasture land passing through several stone Mani walls.
Hereafter, the trail climbs up gradually through juniper and birch trees and shortly drops to the river and crosses on a wooden bridge.
The trail now climbs steeply to Samdo, a small village with a closely packed stone house that provides a great view of Sonam (Samdo) Himal(6335m).
- Include: Trek Guide | 3 Meals ( BLD) | Tea House Accommodation
- Exclude: Cold and Hot Drinks | Personal Expenses
Day 10: Acclimatization Day of trip- Explore Tibet Border (5,000m / 16,404ft) 7 hrs
This will be another wonderful day in Samdo. On this day, you will explore the Samdo Village which is the closest and the last village bordering Tibet , and hike further towards the border of Tibet to have a close view of the highest-situated country on earth.
- Include: Trek Guide | 3 Meals ( BLD) | Tea House Accommodation
- Exclude: Cold and Hot Drinks | Personal Expenses
Day 11: Trek to Dharmasala (4,460m / 14,632ft) 4 hrs
The day starts with an easy walk to the river and crosses on a wooden bridge over Mayol Khola the trail climbs gradually above Larkey Khola for a while. Then the trail climbs steeply uphill to the edge overlooking Larkey River and the glacier.
The trail descends and gradually climbs to Dharamsala which is situated next to the stream. Dharamsala has two lodges with the poorest accommodations available during the whole trek.
- Include: Trek Guide | 3 Meals ( BLD) | Tea House Accommodation
- Exclude: Cold and Hot Drinks | Personal Expenses
Day 12: Big day, Descend to Bimthang (3,590m / 11,778ft) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m / 16,752ft) 10 hrs
The journey starts with waking up early in the morning and finishing breakfast. The trail steeply climbs to come out of Dharamsala and eventually long gentle climbs beside Moraine to a small lake. The trail continues to climb onto the moraine and to a seasonal tea shop (4900m).
Leaving the teashop, the trail is rougher and traverses through the Lateral Moraine which is mostly an uphill climb to Larkey Pass (5106m). There is a signboard and prayer flags on the top.
Leaving Larkey –La the trail now enters into Manang district which at first easily descends for a while then after, it drops steeply through the scree slopes. The trail is now even steeper and zigzagging near the Salpudanda glacier.
The trail now is easier which descends gently along ground moraine for a while and steep descent along a small stream to a lovely plain at Bhimthang.
- Include: Trek Guide | 3 Meals ( BLD) | Tea House Accommodation
- Exclude: Cold and Hot Drinks | Personal Expenses
Day 13: Descend to Dharapani (1,970m / 6.463ft) 7 hrs
From Bhimtang, your trail will descend all the way to reach Dharapani, the last little village. This will be a wonderful hike through the villages of the lowland Manaslu area followed by the picturesque views and waterfalls.
Dharapani is a popular village that has connectivity with the drivable road and the trail further leads uphill towards the Annapurna Circuit with the highest Thorung La Pass before descending towards Muktinath and Jomsom.
So for trekkers who have a couple of days extra left, one can easily extend their trail towards the Annapurna Circuit and take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara or can drive towards Pokhara.
- Include: Trek Guide | 3 Meals ( BLD) | Tea House Accommodation
- Exclude: Cold and Hot Drinks | Personal Expenses
Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu by bus (1,350m / 4,429ft) 10 hrs
The last day in the mountain. On this day you will take a wonderful scenic drive from Dharapani to Beshisahar through the Budhi Gandaki River. You will stop in Beshi Sahar for Lunch and then drive towards Kathmandu or Pokhara as per your interest.
- Include: Jeep Drive to Beshi Sahar + Tourist Bus to Kathmandu | Trek Guide | Lunch | 3-Star Category Accommodation with Breakfast
- Exclude: Cold and Hot Drinks | Personal Expenses
Day 15: Departure from Nepal
On this final day, one of our representatives will escort you towards the International Airport in a private car/jeep as per your scheduled time.
- Include: Breakfast | Private car for airport drop off
Check Availablity: Group Joining Date and Price : Click Here
How to Start for the Manaslu Circuit Trek - The Trailhead?
The possibility of taking a flight to any part of Manaslu Trailhead is out of imagination because there isn't any airport. So, the easiest or the best way will be to take a bus or Jeep Drive from Kathmandu to the starting point of the trailhead which is Machha Khola.
Every day a couple of Public Bus goes towards Machha Khola from Kathmandu. However, the time for this drive will be at 7 AM, and it will take around 8 Hours to reach the trailhead with frequent stops.
Further, if you are in a group, an alternative option will be to take a Jeep Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Kholo which will take around 7 Hours. This will be a comfortable drive with a stop at the point where you want to, providing ample time to explore the villages and natural beauty that surrounds the trail.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Route
The starting point for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Machha Khola and to reach there you will need to take a Bus or Jeep drive from Kathmandu. Spending your first night in Machha Khola, the real advantage of the hike begins from Day 2.
The trek continues through the villages, farmland, and rivers with ascend and descend. Passing by the populated villages at the lower altitude, your hike will be through the dense forest and small villages.
Trek goes through the route of Jagat-Philim-Deng-Namrung-Lo Gaun-Samagaun- Samdo-Dharamsala-Larkey Pass- Bhimthang-Tilje-Dharapani-Jagat and drives to Beshisahar.
As the route gains with altitude, you will be able to explore the giant Himalayas and typical Tibetan Villages and Monasteries, finally, the day to cross over the Larkey La Pass (5106M) will be the most preferred trail and finally the trail descends towards Jagat (1300M) and drive continues through the river to Kathmandu via Beshisahar.
When is the best time of year to travel to Manaslu Trekking?
The months of March, April, and May (Spring) are the best time of year to do the Manaslu Circuit. These months are relatively warmer than other months of the year and also provide a clear sky which is good for mountains and scenery sightings.
Apart from those, the trail remains clear with greenery.
These months also have little chance of snowing. Moreover, this time of year is best for Rhododendron blossoms which become colorful and surely add extra to the beauty of nature.
September, October, and November (Autumn) are also the best times of year to explore the Manaslu Circuit. Although the night and morning can be a little cold, as soon as the daylight provides a pleasant temperature to walk in the mountains. The sky also remains clear at this time of year, so you have a blue sky with a clear view of mountains.
What are the Required Permits and their fees?
- The first one is the "Manaslu Conservation Area Project- MCAP" entrance fee which costs 3000 Nepali Rupees and for the SAARC Country citizen costs 1000 Nepali rupees per head.
- The second one is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project- ACAP " entrance fee which costs 3000 Nepali Rupees and 1000 Nepali Rupees for SAARC Country per head.
- Third is, as the higher part of the Manaslu region is declared as a restricted area, to trek onwards from Jagat you need a " Special Trekking Permit".
- Special Permits to Manaslu during Autumn (September to November), cost USD 100 for the first week, and you will be charged USD 10 per day. The rest of the other seasons (December to August) cost USD 70 per week and an additional USD 7 per day.
- The fourth will be the TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) which will cost USD 20 Per Person.
- Finally, the last permits for the Manaslu Trek is Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit and costs USD 10 Per Person
Round Manaslu Trek- restricted area rules and regulations.
- Trekking should be organized through the authorized local operator of Nepal as well and you need to travel with a guide with a minimum of 2 people.
- Buying endangered animal products, plants, and antiques is illegal in the Manaslu Circuit.
- Flying drones for videos is illegal without obtaining permission from the Home Minister.
- For filming and documentaries, you need special permits in this region.
- Respect the local tradition, culture, and religious monuments.
Accommodation and Food in Manaslu Circuit.
Regarding accommodation in Manaslu, there will be traditional tea-house accommodation (mountain lodge) available along the trail which is similar to other parts of popular trekking areas and are basic but lovely place to spend nights.
In tea-house accommodation, each room has two beds with bedding and communal toilets to use. Besides this, it has a common dining hall which is normally heated in the center with firewood depending on altitude.
As for the food, this trek provides extensive choices on the menu but they are done in more basic ways than in other parts of Nepal. You can find Noodles, fried rice, curry with rice, potatoes, pizza, pasta, and soups for lunch and dinner. And cereals, pancakes, local bread, and eggs are available for breakfast.
You also can find hot drinks like tea and coffee and cold drinks like Coke, Fanta, Sprites, etc.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Length and Distance
Manaslu Circuit Trek will start from Machha Khola which is the last drivable distance to be covered to reach the trailhead. The distance from Kathmandu to Machha Khola is 72.3 KM and will take around 8 Hours to drive from Kathmandu.
Further, the hike continues through Jagat to Larkey La Pass and descends to Dharapani of Jagat making an anti-clockwise circle. This distance to be covered through trekking will be 180 KM.
Finally, you will descend from Jagat to Kathmandu via Beshisahar by local transport of a private jeep covering a distance of 206 km, which will tentatively take around 8-9 Hours.
Packing List for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Having the right equipment/gear is crucial for a safe, successful, and enjoyable journey throughout the trek in the Manaslu Himalayas.
- Sleeping bag (-20 degrees) and Sleeping bag liner
- Down jacket (-20)
- Daypack (25-30 liters
- Sun hat or cap (Discover Altitude will provide a free Cap)
- Knitted hat
- Neck Gaiter/Buff (recommended)
- Headlight
- Sunglasses
- Fabric base layer
- Fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
- Waterproof, windproof shell
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Fabric base layer
- Comfortable hiking pants (2 pairs)
- Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
- Waterproof, windproof shell
- Hiking shorts
- Wool or fabric liner gloves
- Hard-shell outer gloves
- Wool or fabric warm socks
- Hiking socks
- Hiking boots (waterproof)
- Micro Spikes
- Casual shoes
- Gaiters
- Fabric quick-drying underwear
- Sports bras (women)
- sleeping clothes
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- ointment
- Cough Syrup
- Mosquito repellent cream
Other Essentials
- Passport
- Reusable water bottle
- Toiletry kits
- Water purification tablets or UV water purifiers
- Towel
- Toilet paper (2 rolls)
- Dry bags for carrying important documents
Optional
- Power bank
- Cameras and extra batteries
- Cards/book
- Thermos for hot water
