Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most breathtaking treks in Nepal, with breathtaking mountain views, remote mountainous landscapes, and the rich culture of the Nepali people. The beautiful trek route offers scenic natural sights of dense forest, terraced hills, deep valley, and remote villages around Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth highest mountain peak in the world, and known as “The Spirit Mountain.” The mountain is revered by the locals. The trekking route is ideal for those who want to explore the lesser-known paths of Nepal without joining any crowded paths in the country.
The most remarkable thing about the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the chance to learn about the rich culture and way of life of the Gurungs and Indo-Tibetans. As the trekker makes his way through the route, he gets to see some of the oldest monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags, and stone houses with distinctively Buddhist architecture. Some of the breathtaking sights the trekker will encounter include snow-covered mountains, glaciers-fed rivers, and alpine vegetation in the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Another attraction of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is its challenging mountain landscape and stunning high-altitude terrain. The primary attraction on this trek is the passage through the spectacular Larkya La Pass (5,300m), which provides trekkers with magnificent panoramas of the Himalayan range. It takes about 16 days to complete the trek, either by staying in comfortable teahouses or in a fully supported camping style. Since the route lies in a restricted region, trekkers need special permits for both the Manaslu and Annapurna areas.
Also Read: 10 Things to Know Before Trekking Manaslu Circuit
Public buses depart from Kathmandu to Arughat and Soti Khola every morning between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. If your trip falls between September 30th and the first week of October, it may be challenging to secure an open seat on a bus for a last-minute booking for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. However, outside of this season, there are plenty of bus seats available. For a more comfortable and efficient journey to the Manaslu Circuit Trek starting point, we can arrange a private jeep.
Spring and autumn are the optimal seasons for trekking in the Manaslu Circuit Trek region. During these times, the mountain views are breathtaking, adorned with vibrant flowers, and the route is dotted with picturesque villages. However, trekking during the monsoon or winter seasons is not advisable for the Manaslu Circuit Trek due to unfavorable weather conditions.
All private ground transportation, including airport transfers, ensures smooth and stress-free travel between destinations.
(Rooms are typically shared by two people. For a private room, please request during the booking process)
Standard Hotels:
Mountain Lodges/Tea Houses:
Enjoy a transparent booking process with no hidden fees or additional charges.
Includes: Private Transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, our tour guide will pick you up along with the driver and a vehicle. Firstly, you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO world heritage site where you can observe the typical wood-carved temples and buildings reflecting the ancient Kathmandu city. Afterward, we will head towards Swayambhunath, the monkey temple, where you can observe the panoramic view of Kathmandu city.
Then, after, you will visit the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the biggest pilgrimage sites for Hindus in Southeast Asia. You will explore the surroundings and observe the ritual body cremation ceremony process of the Hindu people. We can also visit another pilgrimage site near the Pashupatinath Temple, i.e., the Guweyswori Temple. Lastly, we will visit Boudhanath Stupa, another UNESCO world heritage site. The stupa was built in 600 A.D. and is the only kind of stupa that reflects Buddhism in the world. We shall explore the surroundings of Boudhanath Stupa. After completing our sightseeing, you can get back to the hotel and enjoy some rest.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking tour guide, and an overnight hotel accommodation at the Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
On the third day of the Manaslu Circuit trek, our guide will greet you and then escort you to Patan for sightseeing. In Patan, you will visit heritage sites like the Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square. Later, we’ll explore the Patan Museum to delve deeper into the city’s history and its royal lineage. We’ll also stop by the Golden Temple and Banglamukhi Temple, significant attractions for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees.
Afterward, we’ll proceed to Bhaktapur, renowned for its awe-inspiring architecture. Marvel at the intricately carved wooden buildings throughout Bhaktapur and explore its surroundings. We’ll visit the Nyatapola Temple, the largest temple in Nepal, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a pottery-making class using traditional techniques at Pottery Square. You’ll learn to craft and embellish your own pot with intricate patterns and designs.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, an English-speaking tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, you will drive towards Soti Khola. The road passes through the Dhading Besi and then through the place called Arughat. From Arughat, we will head towards Soti Khola. Driving through this countryside will give you a pleasant experience on a rough road.
Includes: Private Transport, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Soti Khola.
The trail will take you across the bridge, and then you will be walking through the dense Sal forest. After crossing the Budi Gandaki River, you will reach a place called Khursane. As you leave Khursane behind, the trail weaves up and down your path. You will be passing through two subtropical waterfalls before you reach Labubesi, a Gurung village. From Labubesi, you will cross another suspension bridge and reach Machha Khola village.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Machha Khola.
The trail ahead will be challenging, primarily uphill and narrow. After some initial walking, you’ll arrive at Tharo Khola and then Khorla Besi. Continuing, you’ll encounter a hot spring before crossing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki. Following this, a climb up a well-crafted staircase leads to Dobhan. Crossing another suspension bridge over the YaruKhola, you’ll ascend stone stairs before descending towards Tharo Bharyang. Finally, you’ll cross to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, eventually reaching Jagat.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Jagat.
Today’s Manaslu Circuit trek begins with a climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, followed by a descent to Sirdibas. The valley widens as you continue up to Ghatta Khola. Upstream, you’ll reach a long suspension bridge in Philip. Turning north, the trail stays fairly level, crossing millet fields to reach Ekle Bhatti. From there, it enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. Descend to grassy slopes, crossing the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank until the valley widens. Passing through bamboo forests, you’ll reach Deng Khola and, after crossing the Khola, the tiny village of Deng.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Deng.
After a short walk beyond Deng, you’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki and ascend to Rana village. From there, you’ll climb slightly to join a trail from Bhi before heading west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. Passing through forests and mani, you’ll turn towards a corner contouring to Ghap. Despite alternative routes, you’ll take the path through Prok Village, known for its viewpoint offering a beautiful sight of the Siringi Himal.
Continuing, you’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki again and encounter a few gompas along the way. The trail follows the river upstream through dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest gradually thins. The pleasant walk persists, and after a final steep climb, you’ll reach Namrung.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Namrung.
Namrung village offers stunning views of Siring and Ganesh Himal, with Mt. Himal Chuli visible to the south. Continuing on, you’ll climb steadily to reach Lihi, a picturesque village adorned with chortens and barley terraces. As the trail descends, it crosses the side valleys of Simnang Himal and Ganesh Himal.
Passing through Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages, you’ll eventually reach Sama village. In Lho village, take in breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu and visit the renowned Ribung Gompa. From Shyala village, gaze upon towering peaks like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, while Manaslu and its sprawling glaciers unfold straight ahead. Other snow-capped summits grace the view to the right, with the majestic Ganesh Himal standing tall in the distance. The day’s journey culminates in Samagaun, where you’ll spend the night.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Samagaun.
Today, you will rest at Samagaon for some acclimatization. You will get acquainted with the rich Sherpa culture. You enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures. Sherpa women are clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. On a little hill near the Sama village is an old gompa (Pungyen gompa), a monastery with great views of the glacier.
It is named after Manaslu. Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt at climbing Manaslu. The locals believed that the climb angered the gods. They were finally successful in 1959.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Samagaun.
On the eleventh day of the Manaslu Circuit trek, descending to the Budhi Gandaki River, you’ll cross a bridge over a side stream and then veer left onto the path leading to Manaslu Base Camp. Along the Larkya La Trail, you’ll encounter several mani walls as the valley widens. The trail remains relatively easy, running along a shelf above the river and through the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka.
Crossing the Budhi Gandaki once more, this time via a wooden bridge, you’ll ascend a steep trail ahead. Eventually, you’ll reach a stone arch, offering a view of a large white Kani. Passing through the Kani, you can find lodging at Samdo.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Samdo.
Today is another tough walk for you. You will continue your walk down the edge and cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier, you go around the valley of the Salka Khola. Then, you can climb up to the stone guest house (4450 m). It’s not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmashala, also known as Larke Phedi. Today’s short walk leaves you with plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxation.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dharmasala.
After a short climb, you will reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers. You can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent. It becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the Pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. It is a long day to Bimtang, but walking these low pastures with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Bimthang.
Today is a strenuous day as we descend to cross a high pasture called Sangure Kharka, followed by crossing a bridge over Dudh Khola. We then pass through a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley. Eventually, we reach the highest cultivated land in the valley at Karcher, at an altitude of 2785 meters. We cross the fields before embarking on a steep climb over a ridge. After a short walk, we arrive at the village of Gho, followed by Dharapani.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dharapni.
After breakfast, you will drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar. The route alongside the Trishuli River on the Prithvi Highway is delightful. With the road situated high above the rivers on gentle slopes adorned with vegetation, you can relish the picturesque scenery. Rice fields, terraced farms, and flowing rivers grace the landscape. Verdant hills, lush vegetation, and quaint villages eventually lead you back to Kathmandu.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, an English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, Private Transportation, and an overnight hotel accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
On the final day of your Manaslu Circuit Trek, our representative will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu with a private vehicle and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport. You will be dropped off approximately three hours before your scheduled flight back to your home or next destination, marking the smooth completion of your Manaslu Circuit Trek journey.
Have a safe journey onward, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport.
