🏔️ Manaslu Circuit Trek – Highlights
- Trek the remote and off-the-beaten-path wilderness of Manaslu Conservation Area
- View Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the 8th highest mountain in the world
- Experience breathtaking Himalayan ranges including Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Shringi, and other peaks
- Cross the dramatic high mountain pass of Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)
- Explore the deep Budhi Gandaki Valley and Marshyangdi Valley landscapes
- Experience rich biodiversity ranging from subtropical forests to alpine terrain (700 m – 5,106 m)
- Discover a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Tibetan cultures along the trail
- Visit optional highlights like Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) and Birendra Lake
- Explore Kathmandu heritage sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Experience authentic Nepali food, hospitality, and mountain culture
🗺️ Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing (Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath)
Day 03: Drive to Machha Khola (900 m) – 7 hrs
Day 04: Trek to Jagat (1,410 m) – 7 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Deng (1,810 m) – 6 hrs
Day 06: Trek to Namrung (2,620 m) – 7 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Sama Gaon (3,525 m) – 6 hrs
Day 08: Acclimatization day in Sama Gaon
Day 09: Trek to Samdo (3,850 m) – 4 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Dharmashala / Larkya Phedi (4,480 m) – 4 hrs
Day 11: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) → Trek to Bimthang – 8 hrs
Day 12: Trek to Tilije (2,300 m) – 6 hrs
Day 13: Trek to Dharapani → Tal (1,700 m) – 6 hrs
Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu – 8 hrs
Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu
📌 Overview
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and remote trekking adventures, circling around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
Located within the Manaslu Conservation Area, this trek offers dramatic landscapes, deep river valleys, alpine forests, and high Himalayan passes.
A major highlight is crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Himalayan giants including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.
The region is culturally diverse, shifting from Hindu villages in the lower regions to Tibetan-influenced Buddhist settlements like Sama Gaon and Samdo in higher elevations.
Opened to trekkers in 1991, the region remains relatively untouched compared to Annapurna and Everest, making it ideal for those seeking an authentic Himalayan experience.
🥾 Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 – Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel, evening trek briefing, and welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Day 02 – Kathmandu Sightseeing
Visit:
- Kathmandu Durbar Square (Kumari visit)
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Boudhanath Stupa
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 03 – Drive to Machha Khola (900 m) – 7 hrs
Scenic drive through Dhading, Arughat, and along the Budhi Gandaki River valley.
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals: B/L/D
Day 04 – Trek to Jagat (1,410 m) – 7 hrs
Trail follows river valleys, suspension bridges, and traditional villages.
Day 05 – Trek to Deng (1,810 m) – 6 hrs
Trek through bamboo forests and river crossings.
Day 06 – Trek to Namrung (2,620 m) – 7 hrs
Steep ascent through forests with first views of Manaslu.
Day 07 – Trek to Sama Gaon (3,525 m) – 6 hrs
Pass Buddhist villages and monasteries.
Day 08 – Acclimatization Day
Optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) or Birendra Lake.
Day 09 – Trek to Samdo (3,850 m) – 4 hrs
Tibetan-influenced village near the border region.
Day 10 – Trek to Dharmashala (4,480 m) – 4 hrs
Final stop before crossing Larkya La Pass.
Day 11 – Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) → Bimthang – 8 hrs
Most challenging and rewarding day with spectacular Himalayan views.
Day 12 – Trek to Tilije – 6 hrs
Descent through forests and Gurung villages.
Day 13 – Trek to Dharapani → Tal – 6 hrs
Enter Annapurna region trail.
Day 14 – Drive to Kathmandu – 8 hrs
Return journey and farewell dinner.
Day 15 – Departure
Transfer to airport.
💰 Cost Includes
- Airport pickup & drop in Kathmandu
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Full board trekking meals (B/L/D + tea/coffee)
- Licensed trekking guide + porter support (2:1 ratio)
- All permits (Manaslu Restricted Area, ACAP, MCAP)
- Kathmandu sightseeing with guide & entry fees
- Private transport for all transfers
- Tea house accommodation during trek
- First aid kit & duffel bag
- Insurance & wages for staff
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- 24/7 support
❌ Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Nepal visa fees
- Personal expenses (tips, drinks, laundry, charging, hot shower)
- Travel insurance
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Costs due to natural disasters or delays
- Anything not listed in inclusions