Manaslu Circuit Trek - 15 Days

Trip Facts
  • Duration:15 Days
  • Difficulty Level: Strenuous
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Max. Altitude: 5106 Meters
  • Start at: Kathmandu
  • End at: Kathmandu
  • Group Size: 2 - 12
  • Best Season: Spring - Autumn

Highlights

  • Hiking to Manaslu Base Camp and getting stunning views of the 8th highest peak in the world throughout the trail.
  • Visit Birendra Lake, a glacier lake of epic beauty
  • Traversing through Larkya La Pass, one of the longest passes in Nepal.
  • Living the Tibetan-influence lifestyle with pleasing Gurung hospitality.
  • Passing through Manaslu Conservation Area, one of the pristine protected areas in Nepal.

About Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is unlike any other in Nepal. Not only is the location of the Manaslu Circuit Trek trail through off-beaten paths in the Himalayas surrounded by the natural charm of Manaslu (8163 m), but it also roams through Buddhism heritage.

Prepare yourself for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, one of Nepal's most strenuous treks. Manaslu circuit trek elevation range of 930m to 5106m.

In just 15 days, the Manaslu circuit trek route takes through lush tropical woods to high alpine meadows. You will also visit Birendra Lake and wander across the breathtaking Larkya La pass, the most spectacular Nepal pass.

Manaslu Circuit Trek cost and itinerary are around USD 1100 to 1700 for 15 days of the trip.

The trip begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and a brief hike to Soti Khola. In the next few days, you will trek through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lo, and Samagaon.

At Samagaon, you will take a rest day but wander nearby to visit Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, and Pungyen Gompa. For the next few days, you will trek through Samdo, Dharamsala, and Bimthang via Larkya La Pass.

Then descending through Gho and Chamje, you will finally drive to Kathmandu on the 15th.

There are requirements for three kinds of permit for the Manaslu Circuit Trek: the Restricted Area Permit (Manaslu RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit.

The latter two can be obtained through the Nepal Tourism Board, the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal Secretariat, and the entrance of Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, RAP requires special permission to be applied through a trekking agency.

Like many Nepal treks, the best times for the Manaslu circuit trek are March to May and September to November. However, spring and autumn are especially essential for this trek due to the high elevation and rugged terrain.

Manaslu circuit trek difficulty is challenging. The trail has some areas that are rocky and steep. The most difficult part of the hike is the Larkya La pass. It takes around ten hours to cross the ice and rugged terrain.

This walk portion also includes a remarkable height change of roughly 4,203 m/3,789 ft. Before a significant elevation difference, you should take a day to relax and acclimate. The weather is consistent during the busy season. The walk is a little bit easier because of this. You will also receive assistance from qualified guides or porters, as required.

Why Book this Amazing Himalayan Journey of a Lifetime with Green Society Adventure? 

This lifetime journey needs to be carefully planned, and we, the Green Society Adventure, are here for it. We provide an excellent personalized trekking experience, with your safety being our prime concern.

We will apply for all necessary permits, book accommodation, and provide qualified guides and porters. We issue no hidden cost, and to make your trip easier, we have also planned a one-day Kathmandu exploration right after you arrive to eliminate flight exhaustion.

We are flexible about making any changes should there be unexpected events, such as severe weather or flight cancellation. We will make your trip as hassle-free as possible so that you can devote your time to enjoying your trip.

Itinerary
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We can Customize the trip to suit your interest and help you make it fit your budget

Upon arrival, our staff will greet you and take you to your hotel for rest. In the night, we have planned for a welcome dinner where you will be introduced to the team and briefed about the trip. Overnight stay will be in Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/4329ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Welcome Dinner

Landing in Kathmandu and not exploring this historic city is a blunder we cannot make. Today, you will visit some UNESCO world heritage sites – Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Pashupatinath.

Likewise, you can buy any equipment or clothes at Thamel. You can also rent it out if you don't want to buy it. Try some Newa cuisine today or try dal bhat – the staple food of Nepalese. Overnight stay will be in Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/4329ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast

The trip finally begins with a drive through Prithvi Highway to Dhading Besi, passing Arughat Bazaar to reach Soti Khola. You will then take a hike to Machha Khola, passing through pine forests and terraced fields as it ascends and descends.

Khursane and Lapubesi are two significant rest stations along the route. You reach Machha Khola by re-crossing the Budhi Gandaki River. Overnight stay will be in Machha Khola.

  • Max. Altitude:870m/2854ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We pass Thado Khola and continue upstream along the Budhi Gandaki River's banks before turning onto Khorla Besi. Then you get to Tatopani, well-known for its natural hot springs.

We ascend a series of stairs to Dobhan as we continue above the Budhi Gandaki ravines. The trail's final section for today requires one more ascent along Budhi Gandaki's crest to reach Jagat. Overnight stay will be in Jagat.

  • Max. Altitude:1440m/4724ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we travel through a dense forest. The trail initially ascends to Salleri before descending to Sirdibas. We'll take a route upstream to Philim on the Ghatta River.

We embark on a ravine that requires a rugged slope to reach the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River after passing the agricultural fields to Ekle Bhatti. We go through a bamboo forest to get Deng after briefly crossing it. Stay the night in Deng village.

  • Max. Altitude:1845m/6052ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You arrive at a crossroads on the trail that connects Bihi and Namrung. We move west, gradually ascent higher, cutting through thick woodland. The Shringi Himal range is well viewed from Prok, where the trek leads.

While imposing slopes and snow-capped mountains remain in the background, walks past gompas and Chortens keep us interested. We climb to Namrung by following the river upstream through a dense forest and over a narrow gorge. Stay the night at Namrung.

  • Max. Altitude:2560m/8397
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ganesh Himal (7,422m) gets closer and closer as we pass the settlements of Sho, Shyala, and Lho. Shyala hamlet provides a first-hand glimpse at living in the Himalayas with renowned peaks all around you, while the town is well-known for possessing Ribung Gompa, one of the oldest in this region. Overnight stay will be in Lo.

  • Max. Altitude:3500m/11480ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We move closer to Manaslu Base Camp with a journey to Sama Gaon on this day. We arrive at Shyala village after traveling through a jungle. There are various wooden resting areas in the Shyala village bordered by farmland.

As we proceed, we will pass a tiny creek that empties into the Pungent glacier before arriving at the flat settlement of Samagaon. This settlement offers stunning views of Manaslu Himal (8163m).

Glaciers and mountains coated in snow greet you as you approach Sama Gaon. It is a small village with beautiful, stoned houses and a monastery. Overnight stay will be in Samagaon.

  • Max. Altitude:3515m/11530ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day is for acclimatization, but we'll still hike nearby. We first made our way to Manaslu Base Camp. We traverse boulder-filled terrain to Manaslu's base camp (8163m), but the snow-covered landscape is enticingly beautiful. Taking in the breathtaking views of this peak's southern face, which also features mountains like Himal Chuli (7893m) and Ngadi Chuli (7871m).

As you return to Sama Gaon, take the view of the Pung Gyan Gompa, perched on a hill. In addition, the Pungain Gompa offers breathtaking views of the mountains, including Manaslu (8163m), Himal Chuli (7893m), Tent Peak (5663m), and many more. Overnight stay will be in Samagaon

  • Max. Altitude:3515m/11530ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will travel today to the settlement of Samdo in the northeast. A hike along a path between the foot of imposing hills and the Budi Gandaki River flowing downstream will take up most of the day.

At one point, we travel through tiny towns and across the Budhi Gandaki River. Before Samdo, one last leg of hiking entails climbing past a stone entrance arch. Overnight stay will be in Samdo.

  • Max. Altitude:3800m/12464ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start with a stroll around Samdo market in the early morning when the Tibetan influence is at its height. By the Budhi Gandaki River's banks, the trail drops abruptly. Larkya Glacier provides beautiful views of Salka Khola valley. The trail winds through stunning terrain, with the majestic Himalayas as a backdrop. The walk also passes by renowned monasteries. We are presently ascending gradually toward Dharamsala. Overnight stay will be in Dharamsala.

  • Max. Altitude:4460m/14629ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Larkya Glacier, through which the trail today passes, offers breathtaking vistas of Cho Danda and Larkya Himal. You then continue through glacial moraines as you ascend steeply to the summit of Larkya La Pass (5160 m), the highest point of this journey.

After ascending to the pass' summit, we are greeted with breathtaking views of the Annapurna massif, Himlung (7126 m), and Larkya Himal (6219 m). To reach the fields at the valley's butte, the route descends via a steep slope.

Arrive at the community of Bimthang, where Mount Manaslu may be seen in all its glory. Overnight stay will be in Bimthang.

  • Max. Altitude:5106m/16748ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trails descend past a breathtaking landscape, over an icy glacier with a few little trees, and soon there are colorful prayer flags along with a spectacular view of Manaslu. Warm pine forests and meadows welcome you as you descend to Dudh Khola, continue through Soti Khola, and follow the bank to the village of Gho on the easier trail. Overnight stay will be in Gho.

  • Max. Altitude:2515m/8250ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, the trail descends through several fields, residences, and oak and rhododendron woodlands. You walk through farms and forests while staying on the north bank of the Dudh Khola until you arrive at the picturesque Gurung village of Tilije, where green foliage signifies a drop in height.

To go to Thonje, you leave the town of flagstone houses and vibrant culture. You arrive in Dharapani after descending through a scrubby jungle. To reach Chamje from Dharapani, you must hike for another two hours. Overnight stay will be in Chamje.

  • Max. Altitude:1430m/4690ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The makeshift road connects Dharapani and Besisahar with a bone-shaking trip through the dust and a nice motorway drive to Kathmandu. Enjoy Nepal's hilly scenery, including the farmers, kids, and terraced farms. Overnight stay will be in Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/4329ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route Map
Manaslu Circuit Trek - 15 Days map
Cost Details
Includes
  • Free Airport and hotel transfers as per itinerary in private vehicle
  • Three nights hotel in Kathmandu on twin-sharing basic with breakfast.
  • Kathmandu to Machikhola and Jagat to Kathmandu transportation by private Jeep.
  • Full board meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek in mountains.
  • Lodges and teahouse accommodation in mountains. 
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide).
  • Assistant guide for a group of 5 or more pax. 
  • Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • All accommodation, food, drinks, equipment, salary, and insurance for the guide and porter.  
  • Trekking Equipment: down jacket and sleeping bag (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • Green Society Adventure's complimentary free T-shirt, route map, and duffel bag (if Needed). 
  • Farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with a traditional performance. 
  • Manaslu restricted area entry permits. 
  • All necessary paperwork, Manalsu conservation area entry permits
  • TIMS card fee. 
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes
Excludes
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary).
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc).
  • Tips for guides and porters.
Departure Dates
PLAN TRIP
Client Reviews
tripadvisorWrite a review
  • T
    Tatiana ShukhinaRussian FederationMay 11, 2017

    lifetime experience with incredible views

    I and my friend Maria organized the Manaslu circuit trek with Green Society Adventure, simply an amazing trip! Our guide and crew were kind, cooperative, well-organized and a pleasure to travel with. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience with incredible views of the mountains. If you want to travel to this part of the world, simply trust them and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. I highly recommend Green Society Adventures.

    TripAdvisor
  • Y
    YuliaRussian FederationApril 21, 2017

    Wonderful Himalayan Journey with Affordable Price

    I have traveled to Nepal several times and always booked my adventure trekking with Green Society Adventure. Their service is great, and the price is very affordable. Raj is a really very nice guide, always kind, helpful, and genuine. He arranged both of our treks. This time I did the Manaslu circuit trek, the overall experience was just amazing :) Many thanks to Green Society Adventure and Raj! I'm planning to arrange my next trip to Upper Mustang with them too. And highly recommended them.

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Useful Information

Trek Difficulty – Who Can do This trek?

A significant portion of the trek is above 3000m, with the highest elevation at Larke Pass (5,106m). This increases the chance of altitude sickness.

During the trek, you will have to hike for 5-6 hours every day, and the mountainous terrain takes through quite a lot of steep ascent and descent.

Hence, the trek is difficult but is made easier by preparation and experience. You should be well-prepared for this adventure by doing cardio and aerobic exercises, as well as hill hiking.

Checklist: What Should You Pack for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Preparation is key when you are planning an amazing adventure in the Himalayas. Prepare as early as you can for the comfortable trek to Manaslu. When you get here in Nepal, you can buy/hire some of the equipment. So, keep in mind that you don’t have to buy all the equipment, which is very expensive and unusable after the trip.

Basically, you need a comfortably fitted day backpack since you are carrying it every day for 5 to 6 hours. Make sure your backpack is waterproof, or it has a special cover. Check this trekking equipment list and pick up all the essential needs for yourself. And if you need to discuss more the equipment, please feel free to ask us.

How to Prepare Yourself for The Manaslu Circuit Trek

During the Manaslu circuit trek, every day you will have to hike up and down on an uneven trail, carrying a day backpack that weighs 5-6 kg. Start strengthening yourself as soon as you confirm the trip so that you can travel to the high mountains easier. A month before the trip starting date, plan for 4-5 days of training a week. The oxygen level is less at the higher altitude and your lungs can’t provide enough amount to your body, so exercise and hiking with some load are very important to complete the Manaslu circuit trek. The more you exercise and hike with some load your legs and muscle get stronger.

In addition, mental preparation is a very important part of the trip plan. And prepare yourself for basic conditions and rapidly changing weather as well as chances of altitude sickness.

Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization

Keep in mind, that will be trekking to the High Mountain pass, the elevation is over 5000 meters. At each height, you pick up the oxygen level is gotten low. Less oxygen within the climate may make trouble a bit on breathing.

Quick hike without appropriate rest and acclimatization increments the chances of AMS or elevation affliction. To acclimatize your body on thin air, you wish to walk gradually and relentlessly with a bounty of rest and keep your body hydrated.

For more information about Altitude sickness check the link.

Drinking Water

While you are on the Manaslu circuit trek, it's crucial to maintain your body dihydrated and drink plenty of pure water. During the trek, one should drink 3-4 liters of water every day.

We strongly advise having a reusable water bottle with you because buying bottled water is expensive ($1 to $5) and water bottles add to a trashing problem in mountains. You can fill the water bottle in lodges and can use an inbuilt filtration system like Life Straw or Steripen. You can also use water purification tablets to treat the water.

Trip Safety – Insurance

While you are hiking in the high mountain area, it is very important to be safe and healthy and accomplished the trip. We always suggest you walk slowly and steadily with plenty of rest. We highly recommend making insurance for the insured a comprehensive expense that might gain due to medical issues or accidents. We do not provide or sell travel insurance but are happy to provide recommendations if needed.

Internet and phone connectivity

The phone & internet connection (though unpredictable and irregular in some places) is available during the trip.

You can connect with your loved ones while trekking in Manaslu Circuit. Check your important information and upload pictures on social media. In some places, Wi-fi is available at lodges. Normally you must pay an extra charge for using their Wi-Fi hotspot.

FAQs

  • Manaslu trek is challenging due to the high pass (over 5000m) that must be crossed. It is recommended for those who enjoy the outdoors, are physically fit, and have good health, and patience. Physical exercise is recommended before starting the trip as it takes place at a high altitude.

  • Well, if you have a healthy circulatory ability and enough strength to cope with high altitude, then it doesn’t require early experience. However, if you have experience in trekking or hiking then you can enjoy your Himalayan adventure maximum!

  • Yes, to trek to Manaslu you must need special entry permits from the immigration of the Nepal government, which cost $70 and after 7 days $10 per person per day. Second, you need Conservation Area Project entry permit which costs $30.

  • Yes, upon your arrival, you will be greeted by Green Society Adventure airport representatives who help you in getting to your Hotel.

  • You can place it at our office or store it at your hotel (generally the hotels in Kathmandu have storage services).

  • To book the trip, you need to pay 20% of the total trip cost in advance. The remaining balance can be paid upon arrival in Nepal. To book the trek, please use the "CHECK AVAILABILITY" tab to make an instant confirmation booking.

  • On average, we walk 5 hours a day. In higher elevations (over 4200m/13777ft) we normally walk 3 to 4 hours a day. But while we are crossing the Larke-La pass, we have to walk for 10-12 hours. 

  • On most of the areas in this trek, clean and comfortable guests house, and lodges are provided. Few places rooms with attached bathrooms can be available.

  • Normally continentals’ menus are available on this trek. As well you can get traditional Nepali Dal-Bhat and some Sherpa dishes (Sherpa Stew, Tibetan bread).

  • If you booked a trip package from us, the cost of lodging and three-time meals is already included in the cost of your trip. But you may need some cash to pay for personal expenses like extra snacks, beverages, and drinks, hot showers, electronic device charging, wifi, etc. A daily budget of USD 15 to 20 (NRS 1900- 2500) is sufficient.

  • The highest point of the trek that you have to reach is 5106 Meters/16748ft above sea level.

    • Hike (Ascend) slowly.
    • Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol
    • Take a rest and take a deep breath.
    • Drink plenty of water and fluids and stay hydrated.
    • Walk on high and sleep at a low altitude.
    • Take Diamox or Tylenol.
Price Per PersonUS$1390(All-inclusive price)
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  • Mail Us [email protected]
  • Our Location Thamel, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

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