Manaslu Circuit Trek

based on 5 reviews
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  • DURATION18 Days
  • DIFFICULTY-LEVELStrenuous
  • GROUP SIZE2-14

Trip Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a hiking adventure into virgin territory where the remote wilderness displays a mirage of natural beauty unimaginable virtually, Manaslu Trek is yet one untouched trekking trail in Nepal that wades into real virgin territory where only a few dare to venture into in Nepal’s vast Himalayan terrain.

Manaslu trekking trail is located in the western part of Nepal; Mt. Manaslu at [8163m] is the eight highest peaks in the world which opened its routes for trekking only in 1992 AD. It is located near to the border of Nepal alongside Tibet.

The name Manaslu literally means "The spirit-mountain"; the local jargon refers it to be the compassionate and strong deity that mysteriously dwells within its domain. This is a well-known and much loved trail in Nepal’s Himalayan landscapes, which provides great views of some of the highest mountains in the world, giving this area a heady mix of rich cultural heritage, a genuine outing in the outback, incomparable beauty and biological variety that’s amazing.

The trekking in the Manaslu Himalaya region is one of those delightful adventure treks in Nepal where along the way, you be rewarded with magnificent views of the Annapurna Massifs and Dhaulagiri peaks that’s literally gratifying to the soul, despite the taxing drills of this trip.

Mt. Manaslu located in the east of Annapurna Himalaya range and trekking within the Manaslu circuit is a controlled & government regulated areas because it’s a restricted trek area as well. Consequently, permission must be taken prior to organizing treks in Manaslu.

Trekking in the Manaslu area has been considered to be one of the finest adventure destinations in Nepal for those looking for the unusual experience in sublime territory where one can enjoy breathtaking views of the imposing Himalayas stretching beyond horizons & as you hike our routes you come across cultural diversities and natural scenery with high altitude dreamy glacier lakes and enthralling floras and faunas, which inherently make up all the features when trekking in this unspoiled less trodden Region.

We have designed 18day itinerary for the Manaslu circuit trek that inlcudes arrival and departure days to and from Nepal and a cultural day tour in Kathmandu and the real trekking to Manaslu begins from Arughat (7 hour drive from Kathmandu) along the Larkya pass at (5420 m.) after passing the Pass; you continue trekking to the Annapurna trails to return to Bhulbhule & then drive back to Kathmandu through a scenic highway. ``

The Manaslu trekking used to be organized in camping style in the past however, teahouse/lodges are beginning to take shape along the route, and so small groups can do the trekking in this region teahouse style in these days. We organize both styles for those who want camping & a feel for the true wild & also offer options for the rough & tough teahouse lodges for those who are happy with basic facilities & more focused on the wonders of the wilderness.

Itinerary

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You will be met by our airport representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel, on how to identify us at the airport will be communicated to you as soon as your booking is confirmed. Get refreshed at your hotel, rest a bit & your evening is free; we suggest you go for a stroll down the street to get familiar with your surroundings. Have supper & go in for an early sleep to get rid of the jetlag.

  • Hotel
  • Kathmandu
After breakfast, we proceed for you sightseeing tour in Kathmandu which includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhanath Stupa. Please note, all of these monuments are UNESCO declared world heritage sites that represent a wonderful mix of Hinduism & Buddhism that seems to have gotten on well since the ancient periods of this medieval city. Your tour will be accompanied with a professional licensed guide.
  • Hotel
  • B
  • Kathmandu
After an early b/fast at hotel, you start drive along the Kathmandu - Pokhara High way for the first part of our surface journey & drive through many vibrant villages and irrigated terraces to Arughat & this gives you your first experience of Nepal’s rural landscapes.
  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 570
  • Arughat Bazaar

You trek over a flat leveled path along the bank of Budhi Gandaki River through mostly terraces, numerous villages, green hills and you are almost surrounded by lush green forest with bushy foliage.

Today, you take lunch at Arket Bazaar which lies mid-way to Soti Khola. This is the best place to relax and you can enjoy swimming to ease your limbs from the grueling hikes.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 530
  • Soti Khola

After breakfast at lodge, you star the trek for today, the meandering path passes through forest, colorful villages, clean streams, pretty waterfalls and green dales until Lapu Besi.

This is a village mainly inhabited by Mongolian inhabitants. Now, you again traverse a zigzag path to reach Machha Khola.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 890
  • Machha Khola

You cross the Machha Khola and head upstream to the tiny village of Khorla Bensi and the hot springs at Tatopani. The valley sides are steep until they are impassable and the route then switches to the left bank by way of a suspension bridge.

The trail is quite exposed and challenging in some places & this is the beauty of the wild. After a short section of forest path you reach a single teahouse at Doban. Above Doban, the Budi Gandaki descends on an impressive series of rapids.

Beyond this steep section, the river is much more placid, meandering across a broad gravel bed. At Lauri, you cross the river on a suspension bridge, then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 1350
  • Jagat

Today, the early part of the trek moves gently uphill and then somewhere through a flat leveled path. You cross a suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki before Philim.

Philim is a big village mainly inhabited by the Gurung community. Small serene monasteries, chortens and prayer flags fluttering in the sky, along with graves and typical mountain shanty but sturdy houses are seen around hereabouts.

You trek over a flat leveled path mostly through forest of pine, rhododendron and fir after Philim. While walking, you cross a few bridges and can see colorful looking brown thatched roof villages at a far distance.

You can enjoy a pretty cascading waterfall lying at some distance. Deng is famous for its potatoes, buck wheat, barley, wheat, cabbage, & spinach as people are mostly involved in agriculture in this area.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • Deng

Today, you begin the trek almost on a flat leveled path and then the trail moves uphill all the way to Namrung through lush forest. From here, you enjoy the impressive views of Mt. Manaslu, rock hillocks, a green glen and ridges.

Namrung is a Buddhist village where there are monasteries, a water turbine hydroelectricity power house, mani walls, chortens and prayer flags can be seen fluttering in the sky whispering odes of prayers to the gods for the departed souls on the peaks of Manaslu.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 2900
  • Namrung

Today, you trek over a winding path which moves through the inner Himalayan range. On the way, you enjoy mountain views of Rupinala pass, Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, Lajing peak, and many other silver grey mountains and peaks.

As you go up the vegetation decreases due to the increase in altitude & the thin air. In the afternoon, this part becomes quite windy & chilly. While walking, you come across mani walls, chortens, prayer flags and monasteries.

Before we reach Lho Gaon, you pass a Tibetan village and Lihi Gaon. There is a monastery named Chon on a ridge and also a Buddhist school at Lho Gaon run by Buddhist monks.

You continue the trek by leaving the village of Lho Gaun, you follow the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. As you continue on the main trail, you soon reach the fields of Sama Gaon.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • Sama Gaun

You take rest at Sama Gaon for acclimatization & give weary limbs some respite from the intense hiking. This also allows you to rest your lungs so that the respiratory systems would adjust with the changed elevation. Surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest, you take a breather to acclimatize and relax.

You can hike to Manaslu Base Camp for excellent views of Samdo (Pang phuchuli); Nagdi chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall and can see Birendra Kunda which is an ice lake nearby the Manaslu Base Camp.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • Sama Gaun

After b/fast amidst our lovely surroundings, you trek gently uphill all the way to Samdo through a desert path and windy valley. The Tibetan border is just four kilometers away from Samdo, but visitors are not allowed to pass the border.

There is a Tibetan refugee village at Samdo. This is an excellent view point for Mt. Manaslu, Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall and several other awesome peaks.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3690
  • Samdo

The trail is rocky and zigzags all the way to the destination today. Before, you reach Larkya La Phedi, there is a market called Larkya Bazaar (market) where seasonal fairs are held for the local folks. People bring goods from Tibet to sell it here.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4460
  • Larkya La Phedi

Today is a pretty tough call in this part of the trek as you are going to pass the Larkya La today, early in the morning you begin to trek a steep ascended path until Larkya La through a rocky and winding trail.

From the top of the pass, you enjoy the views of Larkya peak, sunrise, Mt. Manaslu, Ratna chuli, Cheo Himal and many other snow capped mountains and peaks.

Crossing this pass, you hike to a steep downhill path through rock and ice. On the way, you encounter many icy lakes that make you feel chilly. Bimthang is a broad and level ablation valley with a number of Mani walls and deserted houses.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 5135
  • Bimthang

Crossing this high pasture, you descend the valley of the Burdin Khola to the area of the Base Camp for the west side of Manaslu. From a ridge at 4150 meters, you have excellent views of Manaslu to the South East and Annapurna II to the South West.

Beyond a bridge over the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, you descend into a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karche, 2785 meters.

Walking down, you cross a stream to reach Tilje. There is an apple orchard and it is quite famous for local wine. Leaving Tilje, you trek about another hour to reach Dharapani.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 1860
  • Dharapani

Today, You trek all the way over a descended path along the bank of Dudh Khola (river) and Marshyangdi River. On the way, you walk through pleasant villages such as Taal which is an attractive village with a pretty waterfall.

You enjoy the sight of lush green hills. Eventually, you come across Jagat which is a stone village situated on a shelf, that juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • Jagat
A steep trail descends from Jagat through Marshyangdi valley all the way to Bhulbhule. Today calls for a celebration with your crew whom you have got close to over the weeks. They cook up some delicious meals & snacks & taste some ‘’chang’’ {local mountain brewed beer fermented with rice} & do a jig to some Sherpa dance steps. It’s been a merry end to a wonderful lifelong experience in the wild.
  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • Bhulbhule

It is a picturesque drive on the way back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and colorful villages on both sides of the road.

  • Hotel
  • B, L, D
  • Kathmandu

Meeting you has been a wonderful experience & serving you have been a pleasure; we do hope our relationship with get closer in the years ahead.

We are sure you have enjoyed your holidays to the hilt & will return back once again to this amazing country. We wish you a safe journey home…ciao & take care!!!

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What's Included

  • Airport transfers.
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per the above itinerary.
  • 3 night hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast.
  • Transport by bus Kathmandu - Arughat and Bhulbhule -Kathamndu ( there is option to take private jeep instead, contact us for the price to take private jeep transport)
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on trek.
  • Conservation entry permits, restricted area permit and TIMS permit.
  • 14 night accommodations in lodges/tea houses on trek.
  • A Guide and porter (1 porter for each 2 trekkers and a porter carry about 20-22 kg)
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
  • Sleeping bag and down jacket if necessary and duffel bag.
  • All the government Tax, VAT and Service charge.

What's Excluded

  • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu). You will require 2 passports Size photos.
  • Your Travel insurance (compulsory).
  • Food while you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • The entire bar bills, hot and cold drinks, water, internet, telephone.
  • Entrances Fees while visiting Kathmandu on second day.
  • Tips for the guide and porter.

Check Available Dates

  • We have set date to departure the Manaslu Circuit Trek. So, select your date and book the trek.
  • If preferred date is not listed then contact us for the further process to book the trek on your own date as the trek is available on any date of the year.
  • We have listed the price for up to 14 people only so, if you are more than 14 people then please contact us for the group price and further process to book the trek.
  • Private trek is available on any date of the year, contact us for the booking.
  • The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.
Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityPrice 
Start Date07 Sep, 2020End Date24 Sep, 2020AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$950
Start Date14 Sep, 2020End Date01 Oct, 2020AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$950
Start Date21 Sep, 2020End Date08 Oct, 2020AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$950
Start Date28 Sep, 2020End Date15 Oct, 2020AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$950

Useful Information

Passport, Visa and permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek

You need to have valid passport (at least 6 month valid) to travel Nepal and to do Manaslu Circuit Trek. You need to obtain Nepal tourist Visa to travel Nepal, too and you can obtain Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu Airport/border entry point or you can apply online (http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa) as well.

You are required to have some permits to do Manaslu Circuit Trek. You are required to have Manaslu Conservation Area entry Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area entry point, TIMS (Trekkers information management system) permit and Special trekking permit from the government.

We apply and get all these permits for you once you book the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Accommodation on Manaslu Circuit Trek

You have a good hotel accommodation for 3 nights in Kathmandu and simple lodge/teahouse accommodation for rest of the 14 nights on Manaslu Circuit Trek. The rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets on trek lodge/guest house.

We accommodate you/group in local lodge/guest house available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required number rooms for you/group (rooms cannot be booked in advance in all places). Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.

  • Hotel in Kathmandu: Hotel Moon light or similar :- 3 nights
  • Hotel on Trek Routes- Simple Mountain lodge :- 14 nights

Accommodation will be on double/twin share soon.

Note: Hotel upgrade in Kathmandu is available. There are luxury 4 and 5 star hotels available in Kathmandu so, let us know if you want to upgrade the hotels in Kathmandu.

Extra nights in Kathmandu

If you arrive Nepal earlier and stay in Nepal later than the scheduled dates then the extra night cost 75.00 USD per night including breakfast and airport transfer and it does not include any extra tours/activities.

Contact us if you need any extra nights for pre or post the trek and want to plan any extra tours and activities for your extra days.

International flights on Manaslu Circuit Trek

The International flights to and from Nepal are not included in our price. You need to book the international flights yourself.

Electricity and Battery Charge

There is electricity available in Kathmandu and in most of the villages of Manaslu Circuit Trek, where you are able to Re - charges your camera/mobile batteries however, we suggest you to have spare batteries too.

Food and Drink on Manaslu Circuit Trek

The meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) total of 46 meals on Manaslu Circuit Trek is included in our price. The meals are taken in lodges, you have breakfast and dinner at the lodge where you stay overnights and lunch at the lodge available along the trail.

You can find a wide variety of Nepali and Western food on Manaslu Circuit trail and drinks (coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, and beer) as well.

The drinks are not included in the cost so you can buy them yourself on the available lodge/guest house.

You can bring water purification pills/medicine while coming for the Manaslu Circuit Trek since you have normal water for free or you can simply buy bottled water or boiled/safe water to drink.

Luggage on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Your main luggage on Manaslu Circuit Trek is carried by porter, you simply carry a day bag pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. - a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek.

A trek bag or duffle bag is ideal for your main luggage for Manaslu Circuit Trek, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room/safe deposit box in Kathmandu for free of charge.

Guide and Crew for Manaslu Circuit Trek

You have professional tourist guide for a day tour in Kathmandu on day 02 (The tour guide for this day may different from the trek guide next morning) and trained trekking/certified trekking guide for the whole trek (handles the logistics and guide you and your team on the trek).

There will be a Sherpa (assistant guide) when there are 8 or more members in the group and porters to carry your luggage and there is 1 porter for each 2 members and a porter carry about 20 - 22kg which means 10- 11 KG from each trekker.

Child Policy for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Children of 10 or more years can take this trek and must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old, no discount for 10 or more years old children and full price are applicable.

If you are planning to do Manaslu Circuit Trek with children less than 10 year, please contact us for the price and booking process.

Gratuities/Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek Staff

Tips are not included in price for services of tour guide, trekking guide, porter and driver. The recommended tip is US$ 5 from each member (of group) for tour guide (day 2) and US $ 3 from each member for driver (day 2).

The Total of US $120.00 from each member for the trek part to divide to guide and porters (it depends on the size of the group you traveling. Our trek guide will give you clearer idea when the trek come to end).

Note: Tipping for all services provided on tour is always a matter of personal discretion, however please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and they may approach you for payment and there is no need to be intimidated by the request.

Personal expenses on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Personal expenses on Manaslu Circuit Trek depend largely on your habit. Most of the meals are included in the price.

You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while trekking (some smaller shops are available along the trail in the areas), tips, souvenirs, hot shower (you have to pay in t some places).

If you do not drink alcohol and sopping then 12-15USD per day per person should be enough for the hot drinks, shower and snacks.

Fitness Level Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so unfortunately the Manaslu Circuit Trek is currently not suitable for wheelchair users and those less mobile.

Please note that a moderate level of fitness is required with daily trekking from between 3 hours to 8 hours. You will reach an altitude of 5100m above sea level.

If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to book our Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Insurance/Rescue/Evacuation on Manaslu Circuit Trek

In case of a serious sickness or injury while you are on Manaslu Circuit Trek, we do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital.

You will be entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in the evacuation/rescue, so, please make sure that these expenses are covered by your insurance policy before departure to Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Suggested Equipment List for Manaslu Circuit Trek

General

  • Four seasons Sleeping bag (Optional) [One can be provided if required, to be returned after the trek]
  • Duffel or Rucksack bag to keep your all the gear and this will be carried by the porters.
  • Daypack for yourself
  • A down Jacket (alternatively these can be hired and returned at the end of the trek free of charge)
  • Shade hat
  • Warm wool hat to cover your ears
  • A pair of light-weight warm gloves
  • T-shirts 2-3 pieces
  • Light weight thermal tops
  • -Fleece jacket
  • Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
  • A pair of quick-drying nylon hiking shorts
  • Two pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts
  • Four pairs of liner warm socks
  • A pair of light to medium weight water proof hiking/trekking boots
  • A pair light trekking shoes for camp/lodges
  • A pair of sandals (optional)
  • A water bottle
  • Head/torch Light
  • A medium size towel
  • Walking poles (optional)

Medicines and First Aid Kits

  • We recommend consulting your local Medical GP regarding any medication suggestions to take for these regions.

Miscellaneous but Important

  • Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies) - these extra passport photos are necessary to obtain the trekking permits.
  • Durable wallet / pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
  • Lip balm at least SPF 20, 2 sticks.
  • Sun cream with SPF 40 is recommended.
  • Pocket knife.
  • Water purification Iodine tablets.
  • Toiletry kit and be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.

Client Reviews

Highly Recommended Manaslu Circuit Trek

I just returned from my trek and had a very positive experience with Escape Nepal Holidays. Unfortunately, my trip was cut short due to a family emergency. I was well into the trek when I got the news and our guide, Sanjay, was very gracious and helpful in getting me back to Kathmandu so that I could fly home. I was trekking with a friend and we decided that he should continue on with our porter.

My last evening in Kathmandu, Arjun (the owner) came over and visited with me in the hotel garden. He was very kind and gracious considering I was in
a fragile state. I can't tell you how much that meant to me.

I highly recommend them.

Jeff S, United States | 19 December, 2018

It doesn't get any better

We had 2 trek in Nepal with Escape Nepal Holidays, the Kanchenjunga North base camp and the Manaslu circuit. Both trips were strenuous, but the friendly and helpful team of guides and porters made them both unforgettable experiences.

What is most remarkable though is that the trips were undertaken with young children (Aged 8 and 11). They loved spending time with the team, learned to play the drums, ploughed fields with an oxen drawn plough and sang songs around a campfire in the evenings.

Escape Nepal were instrumental in the success of the trips both in the organisation from Kathmandu and the quality of their leadership in the mountains. I would recommend Escape Nepal to anyone considering any excursion in Nepal, particularly trips into the big mountains.

I am certain that as a family we will return to Nepal and of course will again rely on Escape Nepal Holidays.

AMartin197, United Kingdom | 14 November, 2018

Manaslu circuit trek with day tour at Kathmandu

Liaising with Escape Nepal Holidays was very easy as Arjun, the coordinator was very prompt and helpful in his email replies. Our group of 5 took on the Manaslu circuit trek with Dipak as our guide and Ram & Sankar.

The trek was well managed and our needs were well-taken care of. We left Nepal with wonderful memories. Highly recommended to engage Escape Nepal Holidays for planning your trekking in Nepal.

RuhuiC, Singapore | 28 February, 2018

Best agency for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Escape Nepal Hollidays is most helpful an professional throughout our whole planning and trekking process. They put up with changes to our itinerary to the very last minute (up to the day we arrived in Kathmandu).

All the people we encountered from the company have been most excellent. From Arjun, who corresponded with us via email to Prakash and Ranjit, who took such good care of us on our trek.

They were always patient, cheerful, responsible and very knowledgable!

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Escape Nepal and would highly recommend them to anyone looking to visit Nepal!

KristlA, Australia | 14 February, 2018

Best Trek in Manaslu Region

We did a marvellous tour with Escape Nepal and guide Dipak through the Manaslu region, Pokhara and a city tour in Kathmandu. Everything was working perfectly on our tour, Dipak is a very reliable (funny and entertaining) guide, he is full of knowledge about the mountains, treks, people, flora and fauna.

Together with the porters we got the best team one could wish. All the transfers were exact on time, we received a full service, including taxi from and to the airport.

Recomended !

EliotBlues, Germany | 16 November, 2016