Manaslu Circuit Trek

based on 3 reviews
Trip Information
  • Trip Duration 15 Days
  • Difficulty Level Challenging
  • Destination Nepal
  • Max. Altitude 5106m
  • Things To Do Trekking & Hiking
  • Best Season Mar-May | Sep-Dec

Highlights

  • Journey through the focal point of Nepal's 2015 monstrous seismic tremor
  • Culturally fascinating with both Tibetan and Gurung influences
  • Venture across the tundra to alpine, timberlands of pine, bamboo, and rhododendron.
  • Both the Manaslu and Annapurna regions are covered
  • Invaluable accommodation and the culture of locals.
  • The 5,200-meter Larky La Pass, the most elevated point on the journey
  • View on probably the most elevated tops on the planet Manaslu and Annapurna range

Manaslu Circuit Trek is an illustration of a genuine rural Nepal. There is no need to seek further if you want to see the true rural Nepal and the Himalayan landscape. The excursion is the best option.

Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you through the epicenter of Nepal’s 2015 earthquake, helping the local communities. Experience the majestic beauty of Manaslu Massif on this remote mountain trek. Hike along the ancient salt-trading route, and among the wild rapids of the Bhuri Gandaki River. Culturally fascinating with both Tibetan and Gurung influences, it’s a spectacular alternative to the Annapurna Circuit and is quickly gaining popularity among trekkers.

Trekkers must obtain two special permissions to complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Both the Manaslu and Annapurna regions are covered by the trek. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project and Manaslu Conservation must therefore obtain the necessary licenses. It is in a locale that was shut to outsiders until the mid 90’s and the travel industry is as yet limited. It is not exactly as high as the Annapurna circuit and truly is a staggering and less trampled way.

Mt. Manaslu is the eighth highest peak in the world at a height of 8163m and is located near the Nepal-Tibetan border with the splendor of pine, bamboo, and rhododendron forests. The name Manaslu means “The spirit of the mountain”. Manaslu Circuit Trek has recently become available as a “teahouse trek” and is part of The Great Himalayan Trail.

What To Expect During Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Trekkers encounter a variety of communities, vegetation, and landscapes while on this expedition. The trekkers encounter hilly terrain, Brahmin-Chhetri village, and temperate vegetation throughout the initial stage of the journey. The vegetation changes from tundra to alpine as the route approaches the Larke La pass (5106 m).

To get to Kutang or lower Nubri, we continue north through the amazing, hillside high path, via expansive Gurung villages perched on steep, terraced mountaintops covered in Rhododendron. Here, the people of Tibetan descent speak a language that is a mix of Tibetan and Gurung and have lives that straddle both Nepal and Tibet.

For the most part, it is hot during the day (up to 20ºC) and cools at night (normal 5ºC) with little wind and incidental downpour showers in the early evening. After Lho village, the path enters the Nupri Region occupied by Tibetan migrants, where you will wind up turning out to be near culture, religions, and neighborhood individuals.

The Manaslu region isn’t as populated or associated as the more occupied Khumbu or Annapurna districts and this is a great deal of its fascination, yet this distance implies that admittance to telephones and the rest of the world is more uncertain or can be days separated. You will not get the pizza or burger choices found in different districts however its bonafide and scrumptious food, warm greeting, and staggering landscape are the fascination!

Larkya La Pass

One of the Himalayas' most stunning passes is the Larkya La pass. The 5,200-meter pass is the highest point during the Manaslu circuit. Even though Larkya La is not the highest hiking pass in Nepal, it nevertheless poses a number of difficulties and risks, not the least of which is the 10-hour time commitment, which includes four to five hours spent at altitude through difficult terrain.

Hiking to Larkya La pass is the primary purpose of your journey; early morning at the summit, feeling more spiritually delighted and shedding tears of joy at having accomplished the objective. Because of the significant snowfall, December and January may be closed. However, you can gradually embark on your trail to Manaslu Circuit and Larkya La pass.

Why Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is regarded by authorities as one of the top trekking in Nepal. In contrast to the more well-known teahouse treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Trek is still rural and off the beaten path despite its current increasing popularity.

The hike circles Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 meters. Unlike its still more well-known competitors Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, it is much less congested. Manaslu is becoming more well-known, despite the fact that fewer hikers on the Manaslu Trail can be seen. Although the journey is rugged and inaccessible, there are teahouses along the way, so hikers don't need to pack food and tents, making it more convenient and less expensive than other treks of a similar length.

You will trek from the subtropical forest at low altitudes through the Himalayan mountains to the elevated, chilly, and difficult intersection of the Larkya La Pass above 5,100 meters. The initial section of the trek appears to follow the Buri Gandaki, a profound, long watershed gorge, with numerous suspension bridge intersections. The scenery offers everything that rural Nepal is hiding from the world.

Itinerary
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Welcome to Kathmandu, enchanting and exotic, it is a city immersed in ancient temples and tradition! Fused with colorful markets and the bustle of spice sellers and merchants, Kathmandu with its exhilarating allure is a city you won’t forget! Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore the streets and markets. The evening at your leisure. Perhaps dinner at a local restaurant? Our guide will be there to answer any questions you may have.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: N/A
  • Max. Altitude: 1310m

Drive from Kathmandu into the Ghorka region of Nepal. Continue driving through small villages and bustling bazaars, arriving in the settlement of Soti Khola in the Bhuri Gandaki valley. We will spend the night here in a teahouse (mountain hut). (Days 3-5 - The route is changing currently "starting in May 2022" therefore we will be following the best route available during the next season. There is a road under development for a short section at the beginning of the trek but there are footpaths following a totally different route. The following 3 days are just indicative at the moment. Your guide will update you.)

  • Duration: 7-8hours
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 800m

The trek begins by following the Bhuri Gandaki River through the shady Sal forest, continuing steeply uphill along a rugged Cliffside.  From here you can see the river’s white and wild rapids below. Eventually, the trail drops to the Gurung village of Labubesi and follows along the riverbank until we reach the village of Machha Khola where we will spend the night.

  • Duration: 6-7hours
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 890m

We follow the gorge and continue up the river. Langur monkeys can usually be heard playing in the jungle high above, where there are also larger Garung villages.

  • Duration: 6-7hours
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1410m

After spending the night in Jagat the trail begins to climb a rocky ridge where views of Sringi Himal (7,187m) emerge. Continue through rich terraced fields of maize, potato, and millet before entering the Nupri (‘the Western Mountains) via bamboo forests. We spend the night in the Buddhist village of Deng.

  • Duration: 6-7hours
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1800m

From Deng, pass by numerous Tibetan mani walls (intricately hand-carved stone walls with Buddhist scriptures), weaving in and out of canyons. Enter into a colorful forest of firs, oaks, and rhododendrons before arriving in the settlement of Namrung.

  • Duration: 6-7hours
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2660m

Continuing from Namrung the trek climbs steadily into the alpine where you’ll see a first stunning glimpse of Manaslu North and Manaslu. From this point on many of the locals dress in traditional Tibetan clothing known as “chubas”.

  • Duration: 6-7hours
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3180m

A shorter trekking day allows you to acclimate and enjoy the spectacular mountain views. Walk through a gully of mosses and rhododendron before entering the village of Samagaon where we will spend the night. We also have the option to do a side trip to Pungyen Gompa en route. Pungyen Gompa (4,000m) A highly recommended 3-hour detour from the main route. Some of the group can choose to either visit the Gompa or carry straight on to Samagaon.

To reach Pungyen Gompa we trek through a forested area before reaching a ridge and a grassy plateau. Here you’ll discover ancient temples built into the cliff faces and the friendly monks that inhabit them. If you are lucky you will see the hairy yaks that call this alpine meadow home. This is our favorite place on the whole trek. 360 degrees of stunning mountains and Manaslu's East Face - so close you almost touch it. Phenomenal!

  • Duration: 6-7hours
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3530m

A side trip to the spectacular Manaslu Base camp (4,900m) is not to be missed! The base camp is a hive of activity during the climbing season, filled with expedition teams, equipment, climbers, porters, and tents. Leaving Samagaon early in the morning, we follow the trail through the forest before a steep ascent onto a slope and a moraine.

From here there are magnificent views of the glacier, a turquoise lake, and awe-inspiring mountains from all angles. The trek to base camp is around 4-5 hours, and the descent back to Samagaon is about 2-3 hours as this is an acclimatization and ‘rest day’ we make sure to take a slow and easy pace. If you would like to take it easy but see some lovely sights we can walk to the glacial lake, Birendra Tal.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3530m and 4900m

This is another shorter day to allow you to adjust better to the altitude. Here is a land of yaks, plentiful marmots, and pastures where only barley and potatoes can grow (to the high elevation) and where we finally depart above the tree line. A pleasant walk brings us to the picturesque village of Samdo –a town known for its yak herding. Samdo is also at the convergence of 3 valleys and is only a day’s walk from Tibet. You are pretty likely to see traders coming from the valley carrying Chinese and Tibetan goods.

  • Duration: 5-6hours
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3860m

Continuing on from Samdo follow along a wide, broad path, crossing the Bhuri Gandaki River and traversing along a mani wall. Continue climbing over the Larkya Glacier until coming to a ridge that offers grand views of a huge gorge. We will spend the night here, before embarking on the high Larkya La the next morning.

  • Duration: 5-6hours
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4480m

Today is a long day with a challenging, though not technically arduous trek over the Larkya La at a breath-taking 5100m. From Larkya Phedi, cross the glacial moraine and pass four frozen lakes as you make your way to the pass. It takes approximately 5 hours to reach this point. From here you can see incredible views of Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Gyaji Kung (7,030m), Kang Guru (6,981m), and Annapurna II (7937). Begin your descent down a trail along a steep gully. Eventually, the trail peters out into a more level area of the grassy moraine. The valley opens up as you descend to Bimthang and we’ll overnight here.

  • Duration: 7-8hours
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 5100m

Cross a glacial stream and climb over the side of the moraine descending into a spectacular forest of rhododendron and impressive pines, with a view of Manaslu providing an equal amount of splendor. Descend down towards the Dudh (milk) Khola then continues through a more agricultural landscape until the village of Dharapani.

  • Duration: 7-8hours
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1960m

This is the final day of your journey as you begin the day early in the morning with a ride on a private jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar. The road up to Besisahar is rugged and off. Once you arrive in Besisahar, you will switch the vehicle to the local bus that goes up to Kathmandu. During the drive, you will be able to enjoy the final views of the rugged landscapes, and some glances at the mountains and remote villages along the way. 

After arriving in Kathmandu, you will be escorted to the hotel where you can take the much-needed rest. Overnight stay in Kathmandu. 

  • Duration: 9-10hours
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1310m

Unfortunately, it’s the end of this adventure. Lets Trek Himalayas Pvt Ltd group services end after breakfast. Transfers to the airport are complimentary. See you next time! Have an extra day? Spend exploring the UNESCO-listed Kathmandu Valley and its mesmerizing temples.

  • Accommodation: N/A
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Max. Altitude: N/A
Cost Includes
  • Airport Transport (Pickup and Drop)
  • All Ground Transportation (Kathmandu-Soti Khola | Chamche-Kathmandu) (private traspotation for Silver and public traspotation for Bronze packages)
  • Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast (Twin Sharing Basis) (choice:  Bronze Price or Silver Price)
  • Tea House Accommodation en route on Twin Sharing Basis
  • All necessary Trekking Permits and Restricted Entry fees
  • Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking Guide
  • Porter Service (1 porter for 2 pax)
  • 3 meals during the trekking route (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
  • Local and Government Tax
  • Complementary Company Cap and Certificate of Completion
  • First Aid Medical Kit (Carried by Guide)
  • Documentation and Rescue Arrangements
  • Farewell Dinner with Cultural program

We Care About Budget Travelers. You can reduce your cost with a Guide who will also Carry your Bag. This will be best to reduce the cost of Porter.

You can customize your Trip as per your Travel Plan and the days you have. We will totally handcraft your itinerary from Scratch and provide you with a custom cost for the Trek.

Cost Excludes
  • Extra night accommodation, Meals, and Sightseeing in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain (due to any reason) in addition to the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu except for Farewell Dinner
  • Travel Insurance
  • International Airfare
  • Nepal Visa and Entry Fees
  • Trekking Gears and Equipment
  • Private room Accommodation (This does not apply to Solo Travelers)
  • Tips for Guide and Porter (Expected as a Gesture)
  • Hot Water Shower, Extra Drinks, and Beverage, Water
  • Internet and Phone Bills (Wi-fi is free sometimes)
  • Personal Expenses (Energy Bar, Snacks, etc.)
  • Anything not mentioned in Cost Includes Section

We can also help you Hire equipment at an affordable cost for a day's basis payment.

  1. Down Jacket (1.5 USD per day)
  2. Sleeping Bag (2 USD per day)
Trip Details

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is regarded as being moderately difficult. To complete the Manaslu Circuit, trekkers will have to navigate over challenging terrain. The region's untamed and isolated landscapes necessitate a protracted stroll.

The travelers must also maintain a basic degree of stamina and fitness. Before the travel, they must put in extensive preparation to get ready. This walk will be very difficult for first-time hikers.

With its expansive vistas, glistening meadows, and raging rivers, it appears to be a genuine sanctuary. The mountain is one of the best with a snowy ridge, ice cliffs, and seracs while being underappreciated because of its difficulty in reaching it and its remote location.

Additionally, it travels by several Tibetan monasteries and ancient settlements, which present both beautiful scenery and difficult terrain in the form of crags and steep staircases. The weather and the constantly changing climatic circumstances require hikers to be extremely cautious, which adds to the difficulties of the Manaslu trek.

Accommodation during Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit is well-known for being a Tea House Trek. By far, we get the impression that we'll be sleeping at a tea house during our days of trekking because of Manaslu's recent rise in popularity and the tea house's cozy recovery from the earthquake. Although we can't anticipate luxury on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the accommodations are tidy, comfortable, and furnished.

In addition to food and lodging, these teahouses offer Wi-Fi and hot showers. However, there is a fee associated with this service. In big cities, all lodgings are on a twin-sharing basis with private rooms, so having your toilet paper on hand can be useful.

There is a communal area for dining and sitting in these teahouses, which is a nice spot to stay warm by the fire at night. Although a blanket will be given, it is much more practical to bring a sleeping bag because the nights might be cool.

Food and Drinks during Manaslu Circuit Trek

Good eateries are now opening in numerous stopovers as the number of international travelers increases. These restaurants offer a wide range of cuisine, primarily Tibetan, Indian, and some international dishes. Such eateries employ highly skilled chefs who are capable of preparing culinary items of all kinds in addition to traditional Nepalese dishes.

Tibetan culture has had a significant influence on the cuisines along the Manaslu Circuit trek. You can frequently find dumplings, chow mein, noodles, and hot vegetarian and vegan soup. Other cuisines to eat on occasion include yak meat, yak butter, yak milk, and barley-based dishes served with stews and curries cooked with seasonal vegetables. Butter tea is the most well-known beverage that has long been associated with Nepal's Himalayan area.

The typical dish for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is called Dal Bhat, which combines lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), vegetable curry, and pickles. This traditional cuisine from Nepal is a terrific choice and offers a refill promise. As you gain altitude, the fresh vegetable ingredient changes and eventually vanishes. If you plan to remain for lunch and don't wish to wait about for an hour, it is typically available relatively quickly.

There are plenty of water sources on the trail, carry yourself a refilled Bottle with water purification technology. You may get to buy mineral waters in lower areas but during high altitudes that is what you need to settle down with.

Best Season to trek to Manaslu

The optimum seasons for trekking on the Manaslu circuit are spring and fall. For the autumn window, ideally from mid-October to mid-December. The best time for spring is from the middle of March through the first week of June.

The atmosphere around here is so unique; it can suddenly change, with a cloud circling while it's still sunny, followed by steamy rain and gusts that are so strong they make you feel nature. You will be able to experience all four seasons in one day, which is wonderful and fantastic.

Manaslu's journey is also achievable in the winter if you're willing to make a few adjustments. Just because it's cold, but December through mid-January has the clearest skies. It used to be difficult to reach the trailhead during the monsoon, but a recently built road between Kathmandu and Arughat may potentially aid in the future to provide easier access for Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Each season is beautiful in its own unique manner, so it's truly up to you which you like. However, keep in mind that during the winter, snow will block the Larke Pass, preventing access to Manaslu Base Camp and the Tibetan Border. Additionally, the teahouse (lodge) remains closed in January and February.

Equipments

Below are very critical and essential trekking equipment list 

  • Daypack (25–35 liters), Pack cover, Comfortable Sleeping Bag (Depends upon the season, weather forecast, and personal preference), and it is possible to rent it from Kathmandu which cost 2$ per day.
  • Crampons, Headlamp/flashlight, and extra batteries
  • High-Quality Trekking Shoes, Camp shoes (Down Booties or Running Shoes)
  • Warm clothing (fleece, down jacket, thermals)
  • Rain gear (jacket, pants)
  • Camelbak water bladder or sipper (water bottle) and purification tablets/straw.
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
  • Maps and compass or GPS device
  • Trekking poles (optional)

Besides the Essentials list of Equipments and Packing, some other packing lists can come in handy for you in different situations in the Himalayas.

  • Sleeping pad and Insect repellent
  • Food and snacks
  • Multi-tool or Easy knife
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)
  • Cash, credit card, and documents (passport, visa, travel insurance, etc.)
  • Extra batteries or Solar charger
  • Portable water filter or purification system
  • Emergency whistle and Signal mirror
  • Trash Bag

It is important to note that the specific requirements for long journey treks may vary based on the destination and the duration of the trek. Hence, it is always advisable to consult a local guide or trekking company to have a comprehensive understanding of the equipment needed for a particular trek.

Also, check the weather conditions and specific requirements for the trek you plan to undertake and pack accordingly.

Client Reviews
  • J

    Experienced Manaslu Adventure

    I had an incredible experience on the Manaslu trek with Let's Trek Himalayas. The guides and porters were extremely helpful and played a significant role in ensuring that we reached our destination safely. The scenery was breathtaking, and I can't wait to come back to Nepal next year. I highly recommend Let's Trek Himalaya for anyone looking to go trekking in the region.

    TripAdvisor
    James Drinkwater, wrote a review on Jul 2024Australia
  • D

    Unbelievable moment at Larke La Pass

    Excited moment at Larke La Pass during our Manaslu circuit Trek, Suman was ideal, helpful and well knowledge regarding management and shared us trekking ideas. Any Kind of Trek and Climbing in Nepal, go with Lets Trek Himalayas.

    TripAdvisor
    Dallem E, wrote a review on Nov 2022Canada

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