Highlights
The Complete Guide to Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a breathtaking adventure that takes you on a journey through the rugged terrain and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Himalayas. This trek is a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unparalleled adventure, making it a popular choice among trekkers from all over the world.
As you embark on this trek, you will be greeted by towering snow-capped peaks, pristine alpine forests, and cascading waterfalls. The trek takes you through the beautiful Manaslu Conservation Area, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan Thar, and blue sheep.
Itinerary
DAY 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m) & Transfer to the Hotel
Namaste! Welcome to Kathmandu - a city rich in culture and history. You will be met at the airport by your tour guide who will take you to your hotel. After checking in and resting for a bit, you can explore the bustling streets of Thamel, the heart of Kathmandu. Later, enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner with live music and cultural performances..
DAY 2 - Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
Today, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, including Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath. These ancient sites offer an insight into the rich history and culture of Nepal. After a delicious lunch, you will visit the beautiful Durbar Square, which is filled with stunning architecture and traditional crafts.
DAY 3 - Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
Get ready for an exciting drive to Soti Khola, where the trek begins. The road passes through beautiful landscapes, and you will have a chance to enjoy the scenic views of the Trishuli River and the Himalayas. Upon reaching Soti Khola, you can relax and take a dip in the natural hot springs.
DAY 4 - Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (900m)
The trek starts with a gentle walk along the Budi Gandaki River, passing through beautiful forests and small villages. Cross the suspension bridge over the river and climb up to Machha Khola, where you can enjoy a warm cup of tea while taking in the stunning scenery.
DAY 5 - Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat (1,410m)
Today, the trail leads through narrow valleys and steep gorges, providing a unique experience of trekking in the Himalayas. After crossing the suspension bridge, climb up to Jagat village, where you can see the traditional way of life in the mountains.
DAY 6 - Trek from Jagat to Lokpa (2,240m) Dyang (1,804m)
Today's trek is a bit challenging, as you climb up to Lokpa village, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas. After a short rest, continue trekking to Dyang, where you can witness the unique culture and lifestyle of the people living in this region.
DAY 7 - Trek from Lokpa to Chumling (2,386m)
Today, you will trek through beautiful forests, crossing several suspension bridges over the Budi Gandaki River. The trail leads to Chumling, a small village surrounded by beautiful mountains and terraced fields.
DAY 8 - Trek from Chumling to Chekampar (3,031m)
The trail today offers stunning views of the Himalayas and the picturesque landscapes. You will walk through beautiful forests, cross the suspension bridge over the river, and climb up to Chekampar village, where you can witness the unique culture and lifestyle of the people living in this region.
DAY 9 - Trek from Chekampar to Nile (3,361m)
The trail today offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, passing through beautiful forests and small villages. Upon reaching Nile, you can explore the ancient monasteries and stupas in this region.
DAY 10 - Hike to Mu Gompa (3,700m)
Today, you will hike to Mu Gompa, one of the most famous monasteries in the region. The trail offers stunning views of the Himalayas, and you can witness the unique culture and traditions of the people living in this remote region..
DAY 11 - Trek from Nile to Chekampar (3,031m)
We will start our trek early in the morning and follow the same trail we took a few days ago. We will cross the suspension bridge over the river and hike up to the village of Domje. From there, we will continue our ascent to the village of Chekampar, where we will stay overnight. Chekampar is a beautiful village that offers stunning views of the Ganesh Himal range.
DAY 12 - Trek from Chekampar to Chumling (2,386m)
After breakfast, we will leave Chekampar and follow the trail to Chumling. We will hike through the lush green forests and cross several suspension bridges over the river. We will also pass through the beautiful village of Ripchet, which is known for its rich culture and traditions. After a few hours of hiking, we will finally reach Chumling, where we will spend the night.
DAY 13 - Trek from Chumlung to Dyang (1,804m)
Today, we will continue our trek to Dyang. The trail to Dyang is mostly uphill and challenging, but it offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. We will pass through several villages, including Gho, where we can witness the traditional lifestyle of the locals. We will also cross a suspension bridge over the river and hike through dense forests before finally reaching Dyang, where we will stay overnight.
DAY 14 - Trek from Dyang to Namrung (2,630m)
Today, we will trek to the beautiful village of Namrung. The trail to Namrung is mostly uphill, and we will pass through several villages and dense forests. We will also come across several Mani walls and chortens, which are sacred to the Buddhists. Namrung is a picturesque village that offers stunning views of the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges.
DAY 15 - Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m)
After breakfast, we will leave Namrung and continue our trek to Samagaon. The trail to Samagaon is mostly uphill, and we will pass through several villages, including Lho, where we can witness the rich culture and traditions of the locals. We will also pass through the beautiful Shyala village, which offers stunning views of the Himalayan range. After a few hours of hiking, we will finally reach Samagaon, where we will stay overnight.
DAY 16 - Trek from Samagaon to Pungyen Gumba (4,400m) to Samagaon: 1 hrs exploration day
Today, we will take a rest day in Samagaon and explore the village. We will also hike to Pungyen Gumba, which is a famous monastery located at an altitude of 4,400 meters. The monastery offers stunning views of the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges, and we will also get to witness the traditional rituals and practices of the monks.
DAY 17 - Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m)
After breakfast, we will leave Samagaon and continue our trek to Samdo. The trail to Samdo is mostly uphill, and we will pass through several villages and dense forests. We will also come across several yak herds and mountain goats along the way. After a few hours of hiking, we will finally reach Samdo, where we will stay overnight.
DAY 18 - Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. (4,460m)
Today's trek will take us through rocky terrain, with magnificent views of the mountains. The path initially descends to the Budi Gandaki River, where we cross a wooden bridge. The trail then climbs through a dense forest of juniper and crosses a few streams before reaching the village of Larkya Phedi. We continue to trek uphill for a couple of hours until we reach Dharamsala/Larkya Base Camp, where we will spend the night.
DAY 19 - Trek from Dharamsala to Larkya La (5,106m) to Bhimthang (3,720m)
Today will be a long and challenging day, but the breathtaking views of the Himalayas will make it all worthwhile. We will start early in the morning to reach Larkya La Pass, which is the highest point of our trek at 5,106 meters. The ascent is steep, and the air is thin, but the view from the top is stunning. From the pass, we can see the snow-capped peaks of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After spending some time at the pass, we descend to Bhimthang, where we will spend the night..
DAY 20 - Trek from Tilije to Dharapani and drive to Besishahar
After breakfast, we start our descent towards Tilije village. The trail descends through a beautiful forest of rhododendron and pine trees, and we cross several small streams and bridges. The path then flattens out as we approach Tilije, a quaint Gurung village with traditional houses and prayer flags.
DAY 21 - Drive from Besishahar to Kathmandu & transfer to the Hotel
Today, we will drive from Tilije to Besishahar, where we will spend the night. The drive will take us through beautiful landscapes and rural villages, giving us a glimpse into the local way of life.
DAY 22 - Transfer to International Airport for final departure
Today, we will drive from Besishahar to Kathmandu, where we will check into our hotel. The rest of the day is free for us to explore the city, do some last-minute shopping or relax at the hotel
DAY 23 - Departure
It's time to say goodbye to Nepal as we transfer to the airport for our flight back home. This trek has been an incredible journey, and we have created memories that will last a lifetime.
TRIP ENDS HERE!
TREK GALLERY
Map
What's Included
ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis
AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
WELCOME DINNER : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff.
Permits : All necessary paper works: Trekking Permit including MCAP and special permit, TIMS Card & conservation entry fee
STAFF INSURANCE : Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
MAP: Trekking map of the trek
MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : Land Transportation Kathmandu
MEMBER LUGGAGE: Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
FOODS & LODGING : 3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.
DRINKS : 2 liters of boiled water to carry on thermos per day per member.
Guide : Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sight-seeing in Kathmandu valley.
PORTER : Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit.
Meals on treks only: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner.
What's Not Included
NEPAL VISA FEES : Nepali Visa fee is US$ 60 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 120).
LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
INSURANCE : Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
RESCUE EVACUATION : Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required. (Rescue, Repatriation, Medication, Medical Tests, and Hospitalization costs.)
PERSONAL EXPENSES: Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
INTERNET SERVICE : Internet facility during the trek is not included.
EXTRA PORTER : $35 USD for an extra porter per day (If an extra porter is demanded).
TIPS : Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
EXTRA : Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
Mandatory Documents
Identification document
Booking Receipt, if Booked Online (PDF will work)
Cancellation Policy
More than 30-days prior to departure - 50% refund.
In Between 15-30-days prior to departure - 25% refund.
Less than 15-days prior to departure - No Refund.
Frequently Asked question
Absolutely! Whether you're a solo trekker or with a group, you can easily book your trek through our website or by contacting our Kathmandu office directly. We can even pair solo trekkers with groups, if desired.
On our treks, you'll enjoy a blend of traditional Nepali meals like 'dal bhat' (lentil soup with rice) and other international cuisines. We ensure our food is nutritious and energy-packed for the trekking journey. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice.
Yes, we offer secure luggage storage at our office in Kathmandu. You can leave behind non-essential items and pick them up once you return from your trek.
Yes, depending on your trek's region, you'll need permits like the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management Systems) card and regional conservation or national park permits. Our team takes care of all the necessary paperwork and permits for you.
Absolutely! We offer both fixed-departure and tailor-made treks. If you have specific preferences, routes, or places you'd like to visit, just let our team know, and we'll help design a trek that meets your desires.
Altitude sickness is a concern in the Himalayan treks. Our itineraries are designed to allow gradual acclimatization. It's essential to communicate any discomfort to our guides, who are trained to assist in such situations.
Yes, Kathmandu offers several rental shops where you can rent or buy trekking gear. If you're missing something, it's likely you'll find it here. However, for personal comfort, we recommend bringing specialized items like hiking boots from home.
Accommodation varies depending on the trek's route. In popular trails like the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, you'll find well-maintained teahouses offering basic amenities. However, in remote areas, the facilities might be more basic. Camping may also be part of certain trekking routes.
Our guides carry communication devices and have contacts with local agencies to ensure swift action during emergencies. In extreme cases, helicopter evacuations can be arranged, given that the trekker has suitable insurance coverage.