Kathmandu, Nepal
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a stunning trekking route in Nepal, renowned for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and relatively remote location. The trek circumnavigates Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet), and offers a unique experience for trekkers looking to explore both the Himalayan landscape and the cultures of the mountain communities.
Here are some key highlights and details about the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Duration: 14 to 18 days (depending on your pace and acclimatization).
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, mainly due to the altitude and the rough terrain.
Max Altitude: The highest point is Larkya La Pass, at 5,160 meters (16,929 feet).
Best Time to Trek: March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn), which offer clear skies and moderate temperatures.
The trek starts from Arughat (about 8-9 hours drive from Kathmandu) and passes through traditional villages, lush forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes.
It crosses over to the Tsum Valley, a secluded region with its own culture and language, before continuing to Larkya La Pass.
From Larkya La Pass, trekkers descend into the Annapurna region, eventually ending in Besisahar.
Tsum Valley: Known as the "Valley of Compassion," Tsum is a hidden gem, with Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, beautiful landscapes, and unique Tibetan culture.
Manaslu Base Camp: Although not a part of the standard trekking route, an optional side trip to the base camp gives trekkers a closer view of the mighty mountain.
Larkya La Pass: One of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the trek. From the top, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of peaks like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna.
Tibetan Influence: The trek offers a mix of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist influences, with gompas (monasteries), chortens, prayer wheels, and prayer flags along the way.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: Due to its location near the Tibet border, the Manaslu Circuit requires a special permit, and you must trek with a licensed guide and a permit. This is because the region is considered a restricted area for trekkers.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Since part of the trek enters the Annapurna region, you will also need an ACAP permit.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card: This card is required for trekking in Nepal, ensuring your safety and providing a record of your trek.
Accommodation along the trek is generally in tea houses (guesthouses), but the quality can vary depending on the area.
The food is typically simple but hearty, including dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), noodles, momos, and fried rice. However, more variety is available in the larger villages.
Altitude Sickness: The trek reaches high altitudes, so it's important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.
Physical Fitness: The trek requires a good level of fitness, as it involves long days of walking on challenging terrain. Preparing with some cardiovascular exercises and stamina-building workouts is essential.
Guides and Porters: Hiring a guide and porter is highly recommended, both for your safety and to support the local economy. In addition, a guide will help with navigating the route, especially in more remote areas.
Less Crowded: Compared to other popular treks like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp, the Manaslu Circuit is less crowded, providing a more peaceful and intimate trekking experience.
Diverse Landscapes: The trek offers a variety of landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, with incredible views of snow-capped peaks.
Cultural Diversity: The trek takes you through several villages where you can experience the culture of the Lama, Tibetan, and Sherpa people.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a perfect choice for adventurous trekkers looking for a challenging yet rewarding Himalayan experience, with a good mix of nature, culture, and the incredible beauty of the mountains.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Take this day to relax after your journey and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city, with its unique blend of culture, history, and bustling streets.
Hotel
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. The drive takes you through the countryside, passing Dhading and Arughat, with stunning views of terraced fields and the local rural lifestyle. Upon reaching Soti-Khola, you'll settle in for the night, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
The trek begins as you leave Soti-Khola and head towards Machha-Khola. The trail passes through subtropical forests, crossing suspension bridges, and following the banks of the Budi Gandaki River. The peaceful environment and tranquil surroundings provide an enjoyable trekking experience as you reach Machha-Khola for your overnight stay.
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today’s trek takes you to the village of Jagat. The trail continues along the river, passing through forested areas and remote villages. As you ascend, you’ll get your first views of the high Himalayan peaks. Jagat, a traditional village, is an excellent place to rest and experience the local culture.
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
From Jagat, the trail continues along the Budi Gandaki River, gradually gaining altitude. You’ll pass through several picturesque villages, each with its own unique charm, and witness the mix of Hindu and Tibetan cultures. After a steady ascent, you’ll reach Dyang, a small Tibetan-style village nestled in the valley.
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
On this day, you’ll trek through the beautiful forest of pine and rhododendron trees, following the river. The path ascends gradually, offering glimpses of the surrounding mountains. After about 4 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Ghap, where you can relax and prepare for the next stage of the trek.
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today, you’ll ascend further, trekking through lush forests and crossing several bridges. As you gain altitude, you’ll start to notice more Tibetan influences in the culture and architecture. Lo-Gaon is a peaceful village offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks, and it is an ideal place to rest for the night.
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
From Lo-Gaon, the trail continues upward to the village of Sama-Gaon. The route offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the mighty Manaslu. As you approach Sama-Gaon, you’ll begin to feel the altitude change, but the scenery more than makes up for the challenge.
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
This is a crucial rest day for acclimatization to the higher altitudes. Take this time to relax, hydrate, and explore the village of Sama-Gaon. You can also take short hikes around the area to visit the Manaslu Base Camp or explore local monasteries. Acclimatization is key to preventing altitude sickness on the trek.
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Leaving Sama-Gaon, you’ll trek to the village of Samdo, which is close to the Tibetan border. The trail continues to climb gradually through alpine meadows and rocky terrain. Samdo is a small Tibetan settlement that offers stunning views of the mountains and is a perfect place to rest before crossing the Larkya La Pass.
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The trek from Samdo to Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi, takes you to a high-altitude base camp. The path is challenging, but the stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Manaslu and Larkya Peak, make it worthwhile. You’ll stay overnight in preparation for crossing the Larkya La Pass the following day.
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
This is the most demanding and exciting day of the trek. You’ll start early to cross the Larkya La Pass, which stands at 5,135 meters. The climb to the top is tough, but the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Manaslu, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal, are spectacular. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend to Bimthang for a well-deserved rest.
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
From Bimthang, the trail descends gradually, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush valleys. You’ll pass through forests and small villages, eventually reaching Gho. This is a tranquil spot to relax after the challenging day crossing the Larkya La Pass.
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Today, you’ll continue your descent to Dharapani, where the trekking trail joins the Annapurna Circuit. The path takes you through scenic villages, lush forests, and charming landscapes. Upon reaching Dharapani, you’ll stay overnight before beginning the journey back to Kathmandu.
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
From Dharapani, you’ll take a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The drive will take around 6-7 hours, offering beautiful views along the way. Once you reach Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to relax and reflect on the incredible adventure.
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
On the final day of your trip, depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. You’ll leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of the beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and challenging but rewarding trek.
Hotel
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Clothes
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat
Lightweight Down jacket (Provided)
Waterproof trousers
Lightweight trekking trousers
Hiking shorts (if trekking in the summer)
Thermals (top and bottom, merino ideal)
Trekking t-shirts/shirts
Fleece or warm mid-layer
Waterproof thick gloves for winter
Glove liners
Hiking socks and lighter walking socks
Wool hat for winter only
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Spare underwear
Buff or similar to cover your neck and face
One pair of worn-in, waterproof hiking boots
One pair of lightweight trainers (for the camp, in the evenings)
4 season sleeping bag (Provided)
Extra Clothes for Winter
Extra warm layers (add an extra warm item to all key items above)
Extra set of thermals (pair to walk in, pair to sleep in)
Merino trekking socks
Merino glove liners
Tech
Powerbank
Universal plug adaptor
Charging cables
Phone / iPod
Toiletries
Biodegradable wet wipes
Hand gel
Small biodegradable bags to take toilet tissue off the mountain
Toilet paper
Sunscreen & lip block
Personal medication
First Aid Kit, including:
Anti-Diarrhoea Tablets (Imodium)
Painkillers
Anti-inflammatories
Throat Lozenges
Rehydration Sachets
Blister Plasters
Vaseline - to rub on feet to reduce friction
Diamox for (only after consultation with a medical professional)
OTHER ITEMS
Trekking poles
Travel towel
Two water bottles (one litre each)
Metal SIGG bottle (useful to fill with hot water to use as a hot water bottle at bedtime)
Water purification tablets, such as Lifestraw or SteriPEN
Crampons or chained spikes that will fit any boot, if you don't have crampon-suitable boots (for winter departures between December and March)
Day pack with rain cover (30 litres +)
Duffel bag (for the porters to carry overnight kit) (Provided)
The highest point on the trek is the Larkya La Pass at 5,135 meters (16,850 feet). The trek involves gradual altitude gain, but it’s important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.
Yes, for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it’s required to have a licensed guide and porter. The region is a restricted area, and trekking independently is not allowed. A guide ensures safety, assists with navigation, and provides insights into local culture, while porters help carry your luggage.
Accommodation is typically in tea houses (guesthouses) along the route. The rooms are usually basic, offering twin-sharing accommodation with shared bathroom facilities. Some of the tea houses have hot showers and Wi-Fi, but these are limited and may not be available in remote areas.
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended. Your insurance should cover emergency evacuation, medical costs, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. Some agencies may require you to show proof of insurance before starting the trek.
The trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (around 6-7 hours). You’ll use local transportation (usually a bus or jeep), and the return journey is typically by public transport as well from Dharapani to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
"We had an unforgettable experience on the Manaslu Circuit Trek! The landscapes were absolutely breathtaking, especially when we crossed the Larkya La Pass. The whole trip was well-organized, from the initial airport pick-up in Kathmandu to our drop-off back at the hotel after the trek. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the local culture, history, and the mountain. We also loved having a porter to help with our luggage, which made the trek much easier. The tea houses were basic but cozy, and the food was always hearty and delicious. There were some long trekking days, but the views kept us going! Highly recommend this trek to anyone who wants a bit of adventure and a peaceful retreat into the mountains."
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