Overview
Manaslu Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a spectacular high-altitude adventure that circles Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. This trek is renowned for its remote trails, stunning Himalayan scenery, and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, offering an authentic experience away from the crowds of the Annapurna and Everest regions. Over the 16-day journey, trekkers move through lush subtropical forests, terraced farmlands, deep river gorges, alpine valleys, and high mountain passes, culminating in the challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters. Along the way, trekkers encounter charming villages such as Samagaon and Samdo, ancient monasteries, prayer wheels, and local Himalayan culture preserved for centuries.
The trek provides diverse landscapes, starting with green hills and rivers, moving to pine and rhododendron forests, and eventually reaching snow-capped peaks and high-altitude deserts. Adventure enthusiasts enjoy panoramic views of Mount Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and other surrounding peaks. Acclimatization days in villages like Samagaon help trekkers adjust to high altitudes while exploring the local culture. The route also crosses glacial rivers, cascading waterfalls, and rugged moraines, making it a mix of natural beauty and physical challenge.
Best Seasons: Autumn (September–November) and Spring (March–May) for clear skies, moderate weather, and optimal trekking conditions.
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, suitable for fit trekkers prepared for high-altitude conditions.
Duration: 16 days, including arrival and departure from Kathmandu.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is perfect for trekkers seeking less-crowded trails, cultural immersion, and a complete Himalayan adventure with majestic mountain vistas and unforgettable landscapes.
Trip Facts
Duration
16 Days
Grade
Moderate
Arrival City:
Kathmandu, Nepal
Activity
Trekking
Depature City
Kathmandu, Nepal
Maximum altitude
5,160
Trip Style
Luxury Holiday
Trip Highlights
- Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) – View the 8th highest peak in the world
- Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) – Trek to the highest point with panoramic Himalayan views
- Remote Tibetan-influenced villages – Experience Samagaon, Samdo, Lho, and traditional culture
- Diverse landscapes – Subtropical forests, terraced farmland, deep gorges, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys
- Buddhist monasteries & cultural sites – Explore ancient monasteries, stupas, and mani walls
- Yak pastures & alpine meadows – Observe traditional high-altitude livestock and serene meadows
- Rugged rivers & waterfalls – Cross crystal-clear rivers and pass stunning waterfalls
Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu, complete airport formalities, meet your guide, and attend a trekking briefing. Permits such as MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS are prepared. Evening free for exploring Thamel and arranging last-minute gear.
Early morning drive along the Trishuli River, Besisahar, and scenic rural landscapes. Enjoy river valleys, terraced fields, and small villages on the way. Overnight stay in Soti Khola.
Trek through farmland, riverside trails, and lush forests. Jagat is a small village with traditional stone houses and the entry point to the Manaslu region.
Hike through pine forests, waterfalls, and terraced fields. The trail gradually gains altitude with scenic views of cliffs and the Budhi Gandaki River. Overnight stay in Deng.
The trail from Philim to Deng follows the Budhi Gandaki River through narrow gorges, suspension bridges, and small Gurung villages. The route involves gradual ascents and descents, passing bamboo forests and cultivated fields, and marks the entry into a more remote and rugged section of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Trail continues along the river valley, with narrow paths, mani walls, and Tibetan-style houses. Enjoy stunning mountain views while approaching Namrung village.
Trek through narrow gorges and alpine terrain, crossing streams and small suspension bridges. Lho village is known for its ancient monasteries and Tibetan-influenced culture.
Hike through high valleys with yak pastures, stone villages, and ancient monasteries. Samagaon is a larger village where trekkers acclimatize before higher altitudes.
Short hikes to nearby viewpoints like Rupina La or local monasteries. Rest and allow your body to adjust to the altitude to prevent sickness.
Trek through alpine terrain, yak grazing areas, and moraine trails. Samdo is the last permanent village before the high pass and base camp region.
A steady climb through rocky terrain and moraine paths. The area is cold, windy, and requires careful trekking in preparation for Larkya La Pass. Overnight at Dharamsala or Larkya Phedi.
Start early to summit Larkya La Pass. Enjoy panoramic views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and other peaks. After the pass, descend to Bimthang for overnight stay.
Long descent through alpine forests, rivers, and villages. Enjoy lush greenery and a more moderate altitude as you trek toward Tilje.
Continue descending through farmland and traditional villages. Reconnect with the Annapurna Circuit trail near Dharapani. Overnight stay in Dharapani.
Take a scenic drive back through Besisahar and along the Trishuli River to Kathmandu. Reflect on your journey and enjoy the last views of Himalayan landscapes.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. End of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu.
- All ground transportation as per the itinerary (private vehicle/jeep).
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (twin-sharing, with breakfast).
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing basis).
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Professional, licensed trekking guide with salary, insurance, and meals.
- Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with salary, meals, and accommodation.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) & TIMS Card.
- Larkya La Pass entry permit and other necessary local permits.
- Down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffle bag (for trek use, return after trek).
- Medical kit carried by the guide.
- Government taxes and service charges.
Excluded
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal visa fee on arrival.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Personal trekking gear (boots, clothes, trekking poles, gloves, etc.).
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
- Extra nights in Kathmandu for early arrival or extended stay.
- Personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, hot showers, or battery charging.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers.
- Any additional cost due to natural disasters, landslides, weather, or unforeseen circumstances.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered moderate to challenging. It involves long trekking hours each day, steep ascents, and high-altitude passes. While prior trekking experience is not mandatory, you should be physically fit, able to walk 5–7 hours daily, and comfortable with high-altitude conditions.
The trek reaches its highest point at Larkya La Pass, 5,160 meters. This is a high-altitude pass, so proper acclimatization, pacing, and rest are necessary to avoid altitude sickness.
No previous trekking experience is required, but having basic hiking or trekking experience can be helpful. Physical fitness, stamina, and preparation for long daily walks at varying altitudes are more important than experience.
Accommodation is primarily in teahouses along the trekking route. Rooms are twin-sharing, basic, and clean, often with blankets. Hot showers are sometimes available at an extra cost. In remote areas, facilities may be simpler, but food and lodging are generally comfortable.
ESSENTIALS
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
Ensure you have all the essentials to make your trip safe and enjoyable.
General
- Duffel or Rucksack Bag
- Day Pack (20-22 Liter)
- Down Jacket
- 4 Seasons Sleeping Bag
- Extra Batteries/Power Bank
- Charger for Devices
- Travel Adapter
Body
- Sun Hat or Scarf, Sunglasses, Headband
- Light Balaclava or Warm Fleece Hat
- Hiking Boots & Camp Shoes
- Hiking pants & Fleece Pants
- Wool Socks & Lightweight Inner Socks
- Thermal Tops & T-Shirts
- Gloves or Mittens
Accessories
- Headlamp & Water Bottles
- First Aid Kit
- Trekking Poles
- Toiletries
- Lip Balm & Earplugs
- Water Purification Tablets
- Dry Bags/Ziploc Bags
Other Essentials
- Passport
- Extra copies of passport-sized photos
- Towel with Personal Care Kit
- Toilet paper (2 rolls)
- Maps and Trail Guides
- Camera with Extra Memory Cards
- Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes
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