MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK

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

Highlights

  • Scenic drive to Arughat and Beshisahar to Kathmandu
  • Visit remote part of Nepal and many verities of culture and nature
  • Beautiful backdrop of Ganesh Himal mountain range & Mt. Manaslu
  • Trek in rich cultural heritage
  • Pass over the Larke La

Trip Overview

Manaslu circuit trek is a hiking adventure into virgin territory where the remote wilderness displays a mirage of natural beauty unimaginable virtually. The Manaslu circuit 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 circuit trek is located in the western part of Nepal, near to the border of Nepal alongside Tibet, the Mt. Manaslu at (8163m) is the eighth highest peaks in the world which opened its routes for trekking only in 1992 AD. 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.

Manaslu circuit trek is a well-known and much loved trekking trail in Nepal’s Himalayan landscapes, which offers 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 region is one of those delightful adventure treks in Nepal where you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the Annapurna Massifs and Dhaulagiri peaks along the way.

The Manslu circuit trek trail is located in the east of Annapurna Himalaya range and trekking within the Manaslu circuit is a controlled & government regulated areas, consequently, permission must be taken prior to organizing treks in Manaslu. Manaslu circuit trek is to be one of the finest adventure destinations in Nepal for those looking for the unusual experience in sublime territory where you enjoy breathtaking views of the imposing Himalayas stretching beyond horizons.

Escape Nepal has designed 18-day itinerary for Manaslu circuit trek that includes arrival and departure days to and from Nepal. Manaslu circuit trek begins from Arughat (7 hour drive from Kathmandu) along the Larkya pass at (5420 m.), you continue trek to the Annapurna circuit trails to return to Bhulbhule & drive back to Kathmandu through a scenic highway.

Itinerary

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You will be met by our airport representative/driver on your arrival at the Kathmandu airport and he transfer to hotel. 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
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

After breakfast at hotel, you proceed you for a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. The tour includes visit of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhanath Stupa.

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.

We (Escape Nepal) prepare trekking permits as we require to obtain special trekking permit to do Manaslu circuit trek.

Our guide will drop you back to hotel and you can shop trekking gear in Thamel if you need.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

After an early breakfast at hotel, you start drive to Arughat along the Kathmandu - Pokhara High way for the first part of the surface journey. You drive through many vibrant villages and irrigated terraces to Arughat & this gives you first experience of Nepal’s rural landscapes.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 570
  • Arughat Bazaar

You start the trek after breakfast hotel, the trek goes 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.

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

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

Lapu Besi 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

The trek starts after breakfast at lodge, You cross the Machha Khola river and head upstream to the tiny village of Khorla Bensi. 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 tea house 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

You start trek after breakfast at lodge and 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
  • 1860
  • Deng

The trek starts after breakfast at lodge, you begin trek almost on a flat leveled path and then the trail moves uphill all the way to Namrung through lush forest. 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

You start the trek after breakfast at lodge. Today, you trek over a winding path which moves through the inner Himalayan range. 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, You 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. You soon reach the fields of Sama Gaon.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3520
  • Sama Gaun

You take rest at Sama Gaon for acclimatization today that 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 also 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
  • 3520
  • Sama Gaun

After breakfast at lodge amidst your 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

We start trek after breakfast at lodge, The trail today 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

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

You enjoy the views of Larkya peak, sunrise, Mt. Manaslu, Ratna chuli, Cheo Himal and many other snow capped mountains and peaks from the pass. You hike to a steep downhill path through rock and ice after pass.  You encounter many icy lakes that make you feel chilly on the way.

Bimthang is a broad and level ablation valley with a number of Mani walls and deserted houses.

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

You start trek after breakfast at lodge by descending 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.

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

After breakfast at lodge, You trek all the way over a descended path along the bank of Dudh Khola (River) and Marshyangdi River. 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 on the way. 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
  • 1300
  • Jagat

The trek starts after breakfast at lodge, a steep trail descends from Jagat through Marshyangdi river valley all the way to Bhulbhule.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 840
  • Bhulbhule

After breakfast at lodge, you start to drive to Kathmandu and 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
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

We transfer you to airport to take your flight back to 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. Have a wonderful journey to home.

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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 local bus Kathmandu - Arughat and Bhulbhule -Kathamndu.
  • 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, down jacket and duffel bag (return after the trek).

What's Excluded

  • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu).
  • Your travel insurance (compulsory).
  • Food while you are in Kathmandu.
  • The entire bar bills, hot and cold drinks, water, internet, telephone etc..
  • Entrances fees while visiting Kathmandu on second day.
  • Tips for the guide and crews.

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 Date21 Sep, 2020End Date08 Oct, 2020AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$950
Start Date28 Sep, 2020End Date15 Oct, 2020AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$950

Useful Information

Extra nights in Kathmandu for pre and post the Manaslu circuit trek

The extra night hotel in Kathmandu for pre or post the Manaslu circuit trek is available at US $55.00 per night includes breakfast and airport transfers. Let us know if you are planning to arrive Nepal earlier or stay in Nepal later than the schedule dates and need extra nights. We then book the extra nights as per your requirements.

Electricity and battery charge on Manaslu circuit trek

Electricity is available in Kathmandu and in most of the villages of Manaslu circuit trek to charges your camera/mobile batteries however, you may have to pay little fee to recharge these batteries.

We strongly suggest you to bring spare/extra batteries to use in case of unavailability.

Guide and crew for Manaslu circuit trek

We provide tourist guide for a day tour in Kathmandu on day 02 and trained trekking guide for the whole trek who handles the logistics and guide you and your team on Manaslu circuit trek.

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

Client Reviews

Recommended company Manaslu Circuit Trek

I just returned from my Manaslu circuit 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

Manaslu trek in Nepal

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

What is most remarkable though 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 organization 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.

AMartin197, United Kingdom | 14 November, 2018

Manaslu circuit trek

Liaising with Escape Nepal 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 for planning your trekking in Nepal.

RuhuiC, Singapore | 28 February, 2018

Best agency for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Escape Nepal is most helpful and professional throughout our whole planning and trekking process for Manaslu circuit trek. 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 on trek.

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

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 marvelous 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, and 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.

Recommended!

EliotBlues, Germany | 16 November, 2016

FAQs

Yes, you need to have some permits do to Manaslu circuit trek, you are required to have Manaslu conservation area entry, Annapurna conservation area entry, 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 trek.

You need to have moderate level of fitness is required with daily trekking from between 3 hours to 8 hours to do Manaslu circuit trek. You reach an altitude of 5100m on trek so, you need be physically fit, healthy and strong stamina and desire to complete the trek. If you have previous trekking experience that would be benefited.

If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to book Manaslu circuit trek.

Yes, you need to have travel insurance when you come for Manaslu circuit trek. In case of a serious sickness or any injury on 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.

No, solo travelers cannot do Manaslu circuit trek as it is controlled area for trekking and you need to have special trekking permits from the government of Nepal and there should be minimum of 2 people to apply for these special permits.

However, we have fixed some dates for the small group trek for Manaslu circuit trek and we may have some people already and you are welcome join us for the trek. Let us know when you are planning for the trek then we see if you can join our fixed group trek.

The Manaslu circuit trek is available and doable all throughout the year however the autumn season (from mid-September till mid-December) and spring season (from the beginning of March until end of May) are the best time to do Manaslu circuit trek in terms of weather and temperature.

We provide good 3-star hotel 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. Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.

Hotel we provide:

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

Notes:

  • Accommodation mostly will be on double/twin share and single room is available in Kathmandu hotels.
  • Hotel upgrade in Kathmandu is available. There are luxury 4 - 5 star hotels available in Kathmandu so, let us know if you want to upgrade the hotel in Kathmandu.

We provide total of 47 meals (17 breakfast, 15 lunch and 15 dinner) on Manaslu circuit trek and these meals are provided in hotel/lodges. You have breakfast and dinner at the lodge where you stay overnights and lunch at the lodge available along the trail.

You have a wide variety of Nepali and Western meals and drinks such as coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, and beer) as well, however, these drinks are not included in the cost so you can buy them yourself on the available lodge/guest house.

We advise you to bring water purification pills/medicine while coming for the Manaslu circuit trek since you have normal water for free and use the medicine and drink or you can simply buy bottled/boiled water to drink.

No, International flights to arrive Nepal and to return from Nepal are not included in our price and itinerary. You need to book the international flights yourself.

No, we provide porters to carry your main luggage on Manaslu circuit trek. 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.

Yes, however tipping for all services provided on Manaslu circuit trek is always a matter of personal discretion, however please be aware that tipping is considered to be a of their normal remuneration and they may approach you for payment and there is no need to be intimidated by the request.

To give you an idea, US $ 5 from each member (of group) for tour guide and US $3 from each member for driver on day 2 and total of US $120.00 from each member of the group for the trekking 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).

Yes, you need some money for your personal expenses on Manaslu circuit trek and it depend largely on your habit.

Most of the meals are included in the price so, you only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages), snacks, souvenirs, hot shower (you have to pay in t some places) etc....

If you do not drink alcohol and sopping then UD $12-15 per day per person should be enough for these expenses.

We provide private transport for airport transfers and sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and local bus transport from Kathmandu to Arughat and from Bhulbhule to Kathmandu.

However, private jeep/van transport is available on request to drive from Kathmandu to Arughat and from Bhulbhule to Kathmandu so, let us know if you want to upgrade the transport private to have more comfortable drive.

Yes, we arrange free airport transfer services once you book the Manaslu circuit trek. The airport transfer services provided only if you arrive and depart on our scheduled dates or you book extra nights from us.

Important Note on Arrival: There can be many people around you to support you to carry your luggage or to put your luggage in the vehicle when you exit from airport and they ask for money as tip at the end (these people are not belong to us).

So, be careful of them and we advise you not let them to carry your bag/luggage. We suggest you to take your bag/luggage yourself until you put them on our vehicle as there are many trolleys that you can use free of cost.

Yes, you can combined the Manaslu circuit trek with Annapurna circuit trek. The both Manaslu and Annapurna are popular trekking region in Nepal and some part of the Annapurna circuit trek (from Dharapani to Bhulbhule) are included in Manaslu itinerary and if you want to extend the trek to Annapurna circuit then we can continue trekking on Annapurna circuit trail rather return to Bhulbhule and Kathmandu. This extension need several days and let us know if you want to have combined itinerary then we will send you as per your requirement.

Yes, we have 15 days trek included in this 18-days package of Manaslu circuit trek however if you have limited days then we can customize the trek and make it shorter.

The given itinerary for Manaslu circuit trek is for the fixed departure group trek and if you want to shorten the trek then you have to do private trek, let us know if you need to shorten the Manaslu circuit trek then we provide you suitable itinerary to meet your requirement.

Yes, you can add some extra tours/activities on our Manaslu circuit trek as you can add mountain flight tour in the morning of day 2 before Kathmandu tour starts.

Furthermore, if you have some extra days then you can add on Chitwan Jungle safari, Pokhara tour, Lumbini tour or if you want to extent your holidays in other country then you can add Tibet Lhasa Tour in Tibet or Bhutan Tour in Bhutan.

Equipment is very important to have comfortable and successful Manaslu circuit trek. So, you need to pack your gear carefully and pack only the things that you need and should not pack anything that you do not need for the trek.

To help you to pack your gear for Manaslu circuit trek, we have given some list that you should not miss while you pack.

General

  • Four seasons sleeping bag (we provide you one if required and it to be returned after the trek).
  • Duffel or Rucksack bag to keep all your gear and this will be carried by the porter.
  • Daypack for yourself to keep your personal things such as camera, water, things that you need for the day and this is carried by you.
  • A small lockable bag to keep your extra stuff that you do not use on trek and this can be kept at the hotel in Kathmandu and get return after you return from the trek.
  • A down Jacket (we provide you one if you do not have and it is returned at the end of the trek).
  • Shade hat
  • Warm wool hat to cover your ears
  • A pair of light-weight warm gloves
  • T-shirts 2 pieces
  • Light weight thermal tops
  • A fleece jacket
  • Raincoat (if you are traveling in monsoon time)
  • A pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
  • Some pairs of liner warm socks
  • A pair of light to medium weight water proof hiking/trekking boots
  • A pair light trekking shoes or sandals for camp/lodges
  • A water bottle
  • Head/torch Light
  • A medium size towel
  • Walking poles (optional)

Medicines and First Aid Kits

  • We recommend to consult with your doctor for 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 (optional)
  • Toiletry kit and be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.